A man who contaminated candy with sedative and distributed them to children at a summer program in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual offenses against two young males who were nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight children and one adult experienced illness at the location in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at the courthouse on Friday.
However, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was kept in jail before a further hearing on late November.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, described the criminal behavior to the court.
She stated his those affected were under-privileged children who were attending a youth camp which he managed.
Ruben conducted a "candy game" with the children, the legal counsel said, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to ingest treats "rapidly".
She stated to the judge the defendant had played this game with the young males "over an extended period", and youngsters had previously become sick the following morning.
She explained the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had concerns in recently.
The legal representative stated further: "In the summer" his stepchild had concerns about the situation, for good reason.
"They decided to have a look in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC said items including infant oil, Vaseline and injection devices were discovered, and his family member alerted the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She stated the defendant proceeded to engage in the "candy game" with six youngsters that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that time," she continued.
The oversight body, the investigative body, previously told that it was reviewing the police response of the situation.
The prosecutor explained the minors were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so the family member called the authorities once more.
She explained the man then engaged in the "candy game" in a room of five children.
