An individual who laced candy with sleeping medication and provided them to youngsters at a summer program in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two children both nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight minors and one adult became sick at the facility in July.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
However, he refused to admit one particular crime he was accused of, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was held in detention ahead of a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, described the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She said his those affected were under-privileged children who were staying at a summer program which he ran.
Ruben played a "treat game" with the children, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and request they to consume candy "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had conducted this practice with the young males "for many years", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She explained the defendant had been able to explain this over a long period as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had suspicions in July 2025.
The prosecutor stated further: "This year his family member had concerns about the activities, with valid cause.
"They decided to examine in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor stated objects including lubricant, ointment and syringes were located, and his stepson contacted the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She explained the man continued to engage in the "sweet game" with six children that time - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that stage," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, previously told that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
The legal representative said the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson notified the law enforcement once more.
She explained Ruben then engaged in the "treat game" in a area of five minors.
