An individual who contaminated sweets with tranquilliser and gave them to children at a youth camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two children aged nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight minors and a grown-up became sick at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at the judicial center on recently.
Nevertheless, he disputed one particular crime he was facing, which was against a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was held in detention ahead of a further hearing on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, outlined the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She stated his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer program which he managed.
The defendant conducted a "candy game" with the minors, the legal counsel explained, in which he would go into the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge Ruben had conducted this practice with the boys "over an extended period", and children had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She stated the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had suspicions in recently.
The prosecutor stated further: "In the summer" his stepchild had concerns about the situation, justifiably.
"They chose" to investigate in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC stated materials including lubricant, Vaseline and injection devices were located, and his family member contacted the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She stated the man went on to play the "treat game" with six youngsters that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that point," she continued.
The oversight body, the investigative body, had stated that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
The legal representative said the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson called the police once more.
She stated Ruben then conducted the "treat game" in a room of five children.
