A person who contaminated sweets with sedative and distributed them to youngsters at a summer program in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two young males who were between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight children and one adult experienced illness at the facility in July.
The 76-year-old, from that region, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
However, he refused to admit one particular crime he was accused of, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was held in detention before a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, outlined the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She said his targets were under-privileged children who were participating in a youth camp which he operated.
Ruben played a "treat game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel stated, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and request they to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge Ruben had played this game with the boys "for many years", and children had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She explained the man had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had worries in recently.
Mrs Prior KC added: "This year his family member had suspicions about the activities, for good reason.
"They chose" to investigate in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel stated items including baby oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were found, and his stepson contacted the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She said the defendant continued to engage in the "sweet game" with six children that evening - that Saturday - and they were all ill the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that time," she added.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, had stated that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
Mrs Prior said the children were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson contacted the law enforcement once more.
She stated the man then conducted the "sweet game" in a space of five minors.
