A man who spiked candy with tranquilliser and gave them to youngsters at a youth camp in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual offenses against two boys both nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight children and a grown-up became sick at the location in July.
The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at the courthouse on Friday.
However, he disputed a single sexual charge he was facing, which was involving a young boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody prior to 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 children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a youth camp which he managed.
Ruben played a "sweet game" with the minors, the legal counsel said, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She told the court the man had conducted this practice with the boys "over an extended period", and minors had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She said Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had suspicions in recently.
The prosecutor stated further: "This year his stepchild had worries about what was going on, for good reason.
"They resolved" to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC explained objects including baby oil, petroleum jelly and syringes were found, and his family member contacted the police about his concerns.
She explained Ruben went on to play the "treat game" with six children that night - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"The police had not responded by that point," she stated further.
The oversight body, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
Mrs Prior stated the children were struggling to walk due to their condition, so the stepson notified the police again.
She explained Ruben then conducted the "treat game" in a area of five minors.
