A man who laced sweets with sleeping medication and gave them to children at a summer program in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two boys who were nine and ten years old.
Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight minors and a grown-up became sick at the location in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from that region, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he was present at the courthouse on recently.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit one particular crime he was charged with, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody before a subsequent court date on late November.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, detailed Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She said his targets were under-privileged children who were attending a summer camp which he operated.
The defendant engaged in a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor stated, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to consume candy "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings the man had conducted this practice with the children "repeatedly", and minors had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She stated the man had been able to explain this repeatedly as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had concerns in recently.
The legal representative stated further: "Recently" his family member had worries about the activities, with valid cause.
"They decided to investigate in the individual's items."
The prosecutor stated materials including lubricant, Vaseline and medical needles were found, and his family member contacted the police about his concerns.
She said the man continued to play the "treat game" with six children that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"The police had not responded by that time," she continued.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was reviewing the police response of the events.
Mrs Prior stated the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson notified the law enforcement again.
She said the man then conducted the "sweet game" in a space of five youngsters.
