An individual who contaminated treats with tranquilliser and distributed them to children at a summer camp in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual offences against two boys aged nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight children and a grown-up became sick at Stathern Lodge in July.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at the courthouse on the end of the week.
Yet, he disputed a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was concerning a young boy.
Ruben was held in detention prior to a further hearing on late November.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, described Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She stated his those affected were under-privileged children who were staying at a youth camp which he ran.
The defendant conducted a "treat game" with the minors, Mrs Prior said, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were settling down and tell them to consume candy "rapidly".
She stated to the judge the man had engaged in this activity with the children "for many years", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the next day.
She explained the man had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had concerns in July 2025.
The prosecutor added: "This year his stepchild had concerns about the situation, with valid cause.
"They chose" to examine in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor explained items including infant oil, ointment and medical needles were located, and his family member notified the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She stated the man continued to engage in the "candy game" with six youngsters that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the next day.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that time," she added.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was examining law enforcement's management of the events.
Mrs Prior explained the children were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so the family member contacted the law enforcement a second time.
She explained the man then played the "treat game" in a room of five children.
