A man who spiked treats with tranquilliser and distributed them to minors at a summer camp in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual offenses against two boys both nine and ten years old.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight youngsters and a grown-up became sick at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at the judicial center on the end of the week.
Yet, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was held in detention before a further hearing on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, outlined the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She stated his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a youth camp which he ran.
The man engaged in a "sweet game" with the minors, the prosecutor said, in which he would go into the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the man had played this game with the young males "repeatedly", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She stated the man had been able to explain this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had concerns in summer 2025.
The prosecutor added: "This year his stepchild had worries about the situation, for good reason.
"They resolved" to examine in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC said objects including lubricant, petroleum jelly and injection devices were located, and his family member alerted the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She explained Ruben went on to play the "treat game" with six boys that time - that Saturday - and they were all ill the following morning.
"Authorities" had not responded by that stage," she added.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the situation.
The legal representative stated the minors were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so the family member notified the authorities again.
She explained the defendant then conducted the "sweet game" in a space of five minors.
