A man who contaminated sweets with sedative and distributed them to children at a youth camp in the region has admitted sexual offences against two children both between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight minors and one adult experienced illness at the facility in the summer month.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he stood at the judicial center on recently.
Yet, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was concerning a young boy.
The accused was remanded in custody prior to a further hearing on 28 November.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, described the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She said his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a youth camp which he operated.
The man played a "candy game" with the minors, the legal counsel said, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and request they to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the man had played this game with the young males "for many years", and minors had previously become sick the next day.
She said the man had been capable of justifying this for many years as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had worries in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "Recently" his stepchild had concerns about what was going on, for good reason.
"They resolved" to examine in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel said materials including baby oil, ointment and injection devices were discovered, and his stepson notified the law enforcement about his worries.
She explained the man went on to engage in the "sweet game" with six children that evening - that Saturday - and they were all sick the next day.
"The police had not arrived by that point," she continued.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
The prosecutor said the minors were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson called the law enforcement again.
She stated Ruben then engaged in the "treat game" in a room of five children.
