A person who spiked treats with sleeping medication and gave them to minors at a summer program in Leicestershire has admitted sexual crimes against two boys aged nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight minors and an older person fell ill at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he was present at the judicial center on recently.
Yet, he disputed one particular crime he was charged with, which was against a young boy.
The accused was held in detention ahead of a subsequent court date on late November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, outlined the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She explained his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a youth camp which he ran.
The man engaged in a "sweet game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings the man had played this game with the children "over an extended period", and minors had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She stated Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had suspicions in recently.
The legal representative stated further: "In the summer" his family member had suspicions about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They decided to have a look in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC stated items including lubricant, petroleum jelly and injection devices were located, and his family member notified the police about his concerns.
She said Ruben continued to engage in the "candy game" with six children that evening - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that time," she stated further.
The oversight body, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was reviewing the police response of the incident.
The legal representative stated the youngsters were struggling to walk due to being ill, so the family member contacted the police again.
She said Ruben then played the "treat game" in a space of five minors.
