A person who contaminated candy with tranquilliser and distributed them to children at a youth camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two young males aged nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight children and a grown-up fell ill at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
However, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was facing, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was remanded in custody before a further hearing on November 28th.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, outlined the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She explained his targets were under-privileged children who were attending a summer camp which he operated.
The man conducted a "treat game" with the minors, the prosecutor explained, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and tell them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had played this game with the children "repeatedly", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She explained Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had suspicions in recently.
The prosecutor continued: "In the summer" his stepchild had worries about the situation, for good reason.
"They resolved" to have a look in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor stated items including baby oil, Vaseline and syringes were located, and his stepchild alerted the authorities about his suspicions.
She said the defendant went on to engage in the "candy game" with six children that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"The police had not arrived by that point," she added.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the situation.
The prosecutor explained the minors were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so the family member notified the police once more.
She stated Ruben then conducted the "treat game" in a space of five children.
