Jon Ruben, a 76-year-old former vet, has admitted to drugging his wife, Susan, to facilitate the sexual assault of children at a summer camp in Leicestershire. He had previously pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting two boys and committing child cruelty against six others .

Ruben, who ran the holiday camp for 27 years, laced sweets with tranquilizing drugs and attacked children after playing a "sweet game" with them. He would often tell the children they were "overwrought" when they felt ill the next morning.

The abuse came to light when eight children, aged 8-11, and one adult were taken to hospital after falling ill at the camp. Ruben was arrested at a nearby pub with some of the children.

During his plea hearing at Leicester Crown Court, Ruben sobbed and said "I'm so sorry" after admitting to administering Temazepam to his wife between July 26-29 last year.

Prosecutor Mary Prior KC stated that Ruben had asked police for a voluntary interview when he admitted to drugging his wife. Ruben's stepson had raised concerns after finding baby oil, syringes with white powder, and other items in Ruben's belongings.

Ruben had previously pleaded guilty to sexual assault of a child under 13, assault of a child under 13 by penetration, eight counts of child cruelty, three counts of making indecent images of children, and four drugs charges.

Ruben is due to be sentenced on Friday, and Judge Timothy Spencer KC warned him that it would be a "very tough day in your life"