A man who contaminated sweets with sedative and distributed them to children at a youth camp in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual crimes against two children who were nine and ten years old.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight youngsters and an older person fell ill at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
However, he denied a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was held in detention before a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, described the defendant's actions to the court.
She explained his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer camp which he operated.
The defendant conducted a "sweet game" with the children, the legal counsel stated, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the defendant had played this game with the boys "over an extended period", and minors had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She said the defendant had been able to explain this over a long period as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had concerns in recently.
Mrs Prior KC added: "Recently" his stepchild had concerns about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They decided to have a look in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC explained materials including infant oil, Vaseline and medical needles were located, and his stepson alerted the law enforcement about his worries.
She said the defendant proceeded to engage in the "sweet game" with six youngsters that evening - July 26th - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that stage," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, had stated that it was examining law enforcement's management of the situation.
Mrs Prior explained the minors were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so the stepson notified the police again.
She explained the man then engaged in the "treat game" in a area of five minors.
