A man who spiked treats with sleeping medication and gave them to children at a youth camp in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offenses against two children who were nine and ten years old.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight youngsters and a grown-up fell ill at the location in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Yet, he refused to admit one particular crime he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody ahead of a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, described Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She explained his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a youth camp which he managed.
Ruben conducted a "treat game" with the children, the legal counsel explained, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and ask them to eat sweets "rapidly".
She stated to the judge Ruben had engaged in this activity with the children "for many years", and minors had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She stated the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had worries in recently.
Mrs Prior KC added: "Recently" his stepchild had suspicions about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They chose" to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC stated objects including baby oil, petroleum jelly and syringes were located, and his stepchild contacted the law enforcement about his concerns.
She explained the man continued to play the "sweet game" with six children that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that point," she continued.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was examining the police response of the situation.
The prosecutor stated the children were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson contacted the authorities once more.
She explained the man then played the "sweet game" in a space of five minors.
