A person who spiked sweets with sleeping medication and provided them to children at a summer camp in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offences against two children who were nine and ten years old.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight youngsters and a grown-up experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in July.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he stood at the courthouse on Friday.
Nevertheless, he denied one particular crime he was facing, which was concerning a young boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody ahead of a further hearing on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, described the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She stated his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer camp which he managed.
The defendant played a "treat game" with the children, the prosecutor said, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to ingest treats "rapidly".
She stated to the judge the defendant had engaged in this activity with the children "for many years", and children had previously become sick the following morning.
She explained the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had concerns in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "This year his family member had worries about the activities, for good reason.
"They chose" to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC explained items including infant oil, Vaseline and medical needles were located, and his family member alerted the law enforcement about his concerns.
She said the man continued to conduct the "treat game" with six children that night - that Saturday - and they were all ill the next day.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that point," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, had stated that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the events.
The legal representative stated the children were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so the family member contacted the authorities a second time.
She said the man then played the "treat game" in a area of five children.
