An individual who laced treats with tranquilliser and gave them to youngsters at a youth camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two young males both nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight minors and a grown-up experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from that region, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
However, he refused to admit one particular crime he was accused of, which was against a young boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody prior to a further hearing on late November.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, outlined the defendant's actions to the court.
She explained his targets were under-privileged children who were staying at a summer program which he ran.
The defendant conducted a "treat game" with the minors, the legal counsel stated, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and request they to ingest treats "rapidly".
She stated to the judge the defendant had engaged in this activity with the children "for many years", and minors had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She said the man had been able to explain this repeatedly as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had concerns in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "Recently" his family member had concerns about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They decided to have a look in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel said objects including lubricant, ointment and injection devices were found, and his family member contacted the police about his concerns.
She explained Ruben went on to conduct the "treat game" with six children that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that time," she added.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was investigating the police response of the incident.
Mrs Prior stated the children were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the family member called the police once more.
She stated Ruben then engaged in the "candy game" in a area of five children.
