A man who laced sweets with tranquilliser and distributed them to children at a youth camp in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual offences against two boys aged between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight children and one adult experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at the judicial center on Friday.
Nevertheless, he denied one particular crime he was facing, which was involving a young boy.
The defendant was held in detention before a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, detailed the defendant's actions to the court.
She explained his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a summer camp which he ran.
Ruben engaged in a "sweet game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior said, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to eat sweets "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had engaged in this activity with the boys "repeatedly", and minors had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She explained Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had worries in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "This year his family member had concerns about the activities, justifiably.
"They resolved" to examine in the individual's items."
The legal counsel explained materials including lubricant, ointment and syringes were located, and his stepchild alerted the authorities about his concerns.
She said Ruben went on to play the "sweet game" with six youngsters that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that time," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was examining the police response of the incident.
The prosecutor explained the children were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so the family member called the authorities once more.
She stated the man then played the "treat game" in a room of five minors.