A person who laced sweets with sleeping medication and distributed them to youngsters at a summer program in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offenses against two children both nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight children and one adult became sick at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
However, he denied one particular crime he was charged with, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was kept in jail before a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, outlined Ruben's offending to the court.
She stated his victims were under-privileged children who were staying at a summer program which he managed.
The defendant played a "sweet game" with the minors, the prosecutor said, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the defendant had engaged in this activity with the boys "for many years", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She said the man had been able to explain this over a long period as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had worries in July 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "Recently" his stepson had worries about the activities, with valid cause.
"They decided to have a look in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel stated items including baby oil, ointment and injection devices were found, and his family member notified the police about his worries.
She explained the man continued to engage in the "treat game" with six youngsters that evening - July 26th - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"The police had not gone out by that stage," she continued.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
The prosecutor said the minors were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the family member called the law enforcement a second time.
She stated Ruben then engaged in the "treat game" in a space of five minors.
