A man who laced candy with tranquilliser and gave them to children at a summer camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two children who were nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight youngsters and one adult experienced illness at the facility in July.
The senior citizen, from that region, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
Nevertheless, he denied one particular crime he was accused of, which was against a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was kept in jail ahead of a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, detailed the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She explained his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a summer camp which he operated.
Ruben conducted a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor stated, in which he would go into the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge Ruben had played this game with the children "repeatedly", and youngsters had previously become sick the next day.
She said the defendant had been able to explain this for many years as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had concerns in summer 2025.
The legal representative added: "Recently" his family member had suspicions about the situation, for good reason.
"They decided to examine in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC said items including infant oil, ointment and syringes were discovered, and his stepson contacted the police about his suspicions.
She said Ruben proceeded to conduct the "sweet game" with six children that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that stage," she continued.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, previously told that it was examining law enforcement's management of the incident.
The prosecutor stated the children were struggling to walk due to their condition, so the family member called the police again.
She said Ruben then played the "treat game" in a space of five youngsters.
