A person who contaminated sweets with sleeping medication and provided them to children at a summer program in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offences against two children who were nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight minors and a grown-up became sick at the location in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit one particular crime he was facing, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was held in detention prior to a subsequent court date on late November.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, outlined the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She stated his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a youth camp which he managed.
Ruben engaged in a "candy game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and request they to eat sweets "rapidly".
She told the court the man had conducted this practice with the boys "over an extended period", and children had previously become sick the following morning.
She stated the man had been able to explain this for many years as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had worries in recently.
The legal representative continued: "Recently" his family member had worries about the situation, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to investigate in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel stated materials including infant oil, ointment and medical needles were discovered, and his family member alerted the police about his concerns.
She said the defendant continued to play the "sweet game" with six children that night - that Saturday - and they were all sick the following morning.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that time," she added.
The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
The prosecutor stated the children were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson notified the law enforcement once more.
She said the defendant then engaged in the "sweet game" in a room of five minors.
