A man who spiked treats with sleeping medication and distributed them to youngsters at a youth camp in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offences against two children aged nine and ten years old.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight youngsters and a grown-up became sick at Stathern Lodge in July.
The 76-year-old, from that region, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he stood at the courthouse on Friday.
Yet, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was against a young boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody before a subsequent court date on late November.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, handling the case, described the criminal behavior to the court.
She stated his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a youth camp which he operated.
The defendant conducted a "candy game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had conducted this practice with the young males "repeatedly", and children had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She explained Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had worries in recently.
Mrs Prior KC added: "In the summer" his stepson had concerns about the activities, justifiably.
"They resolved" to examine in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel explained objects including infant oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were found, and his stepson alerted the police about his concerns.
She said the man proceeded to play the "candy game" with six youngsters that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the following morning.
"The police had not responded by that point," she stated further.
The oversight body, the investigative body, previously told that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
Mrs Prior stated the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the stepson notified the law enforcement a second time.
She stated the defendant then played the "candy game" in a space of five youngsters.
