An individual who spiked candy with tranquilliser and provided them to minors at a summer program in the region has confessed to sexual offenses against two children both nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight minors and an older person became sick at the location in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
However, he denied one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody prior to a subsequent court date on late November.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, detailed Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She stated his those affected were under-privileged children who were participating in a youth camp which he managed.
The man conducted a "treat game" with the children, the prosecutor explained, in which he would go into the boys' rooms 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 children "for many years", and children had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She explained the man had been able to explain this over a long period as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had concerns in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "In the summer" his family member had suspicions about the situation, for good reason.
"They resolved" to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor explained objects including baby oil, ointment and injection devices were located, and his stepson contacted the authorities about his suspicions.
She stated the man proceeded to play the "sweet game" with six youngsters that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that time," she added.
The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was reviewing the police response of the situation.
The prosecutor stated the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson contacted the police again.
She explained the defendant then played the "candy game" in a space of five children.
