A person who contaminated treats with tranquilliser and distributed them to minors at a summer program in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual crimes against two young males who were nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight minors and an older person experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he was present at the judicial center on Friday.
However, he disputed one particular crime he was accused of, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was held in detention before a subsequent court date on late November.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, outlined the defendant's actions to the court.
She stated his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a summer program which he ran.
The defendant engaged in a "sweet game" with the minors, the legal counsel stated, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and request they to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge Ruben had engaged in this activity with the boys "for many years", and children had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She stated the man had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had worries in recently.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "Recently" his stepchild had suspicions about what was going on, justifiably.
"They resolved" to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel stated materials including infant oil, Vaseline and syringes were found, and his stepchild alerted the authorities about his concerns.
She explained Ruben continued to conduct the "treat game" with six youngsters that night - July 26th - and they were all ill the following morning.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that stage," she continued.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was reviewing the police response of the incident.
Mrs Prior explained the children were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the stepson called the police once more.
She said the man then engaged in the "sweet game" in a area of five minors.
