A man who contaminated treats with sedative and distributed them to children at a summer camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two young males aged nine and ten years old.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight children and one adult experienced illness at the location in July.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he was present at the courthouse on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he denied one particular crime he was charged with, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody ahead of a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, outlined the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She explained his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a summer program which he ran.
The defendant engaged in a "treat game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and request they to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had played this game with the children "for many years", and minors had previously fallen ill the next day.
She said the man had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had suspicions in recently.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "This year his family member had suspicions about what was going on, justifiably.
"They decided to examine in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor explained materials including baby oil, petroleum jelly and injection devices were located, and his family member notified the police about his concerns.
She said Ruben went on to play the "treat game" with six youngsters that night - that Saturday - and they were all sick the following morning.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that time," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, previously told that it was investigating the police response of the incident.
The prosecutor stated the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so the family member contacted the police a second time.
She said the defendant then played the "sweet game" in a space of five youngsters.
