A man who laced sweets with tranquilliser and provided them to children at a summer program in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two young males both between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight minors and an older person fell ill at Stathern Lodge in July.
The senior citizen, from that region, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit one particular crime he was facing, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was kept in jail ahead of a subsequent court date on late November.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, described Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She explained his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer camp which he operated.
Ruben engaged in a "treat game" with the children, the prosecutor said, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and ask them to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She told the court Ruben had conducted this practice with the boys "repeatedly", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She said the man had been able to explain this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had suspicions in recently.
Mrs Prior KC added: "This year his stepson had worries about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor explained materials including infant oil, ointment and syringes were discovered, and his stepchild notified the authorities about his worries.
She explained the defendant went on to conduct the "treat game" with six youngsters that time - that Saturday - and they were all sick the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that stage," she continued.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was reviewing the police response of the incident.
Mrs Prior explained the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so the stepson called the authorities once more.
She explained Ruben then conducted the "candy game" in a area of five minors.
