A man who contaminated sweets with sedative and provided them to youngsters at a youth camp in Leicestershire has admitted sexual crimes against two boys who were between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight minors and an older person became sick at the facility in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, 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 denied a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was against a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was kept in jail prior to a additional proceeding on late November.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, detailed the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She explained his those affected were under-privileged children who were attending a summer program which he managed.
The defendant played a "treat game" with the children, the prosecutor said, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the man had played this game with the children "repeatedly", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She explained the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had worries in recently.
The prosecutor stated further: "This year his stepchild had concerns about the activities, for good reason.
"They resolved" to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC said items including lubricant, petroleum jelly and medical needles were found, and his stepson contacted the police about his concerns.
She explained the man proceeded to engage in the "treat game" with six boys that night - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"The police had not arrived by that stage," she added.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, previously told that it was examining law enforcement's management of the events.
The legal representative said the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the stepson notified the police once more.
She explained the defendant then engaged in the "treat game" in a space of five youngsters.
