An individual who contaminated sweets with tranquilliser and gave them to children at a youth camp in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual offenses against two boys both between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight children and a grown-up became sick at the location in July.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at the judicial center on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was against a young boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody ahead of a subsequent court date on late November.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, described the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She stated his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a summer program which he managed.
Ruben played a "treat game" with the minors, the legal counsel stated, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge the defendant had conducted this practice with the young males "repeatedly", and children had previously become sick the following morning.
She stated the defendant had been able to explain this over a long period as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had worries in summer 2025.
The prosecutor stated further: "In the summer" his stepchild had suspicions about the activities, for good reason.
"They resolved" to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor said materials including infant oil, ointment and medical needles were located, and his stepson notified the law enforcement about his concerns.
She stated Ruben went on to engage in the "treat game" with six boys that night - July 26th - and they were all sick the following morning.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that stage," she stated further.
The oversight body, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
The legal representative stated the minors were struggling to walk due to their condition, so the family member called the law enforcement once more.
She stated Ruben then conducted the "candy game" in a space of five children.
