An individual who laced sweets with sedative and provided them to youngsters at a summer camp in the region has admitted sexual offences against two young males both nine and ten years old.
Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight minors and a grown-up experienced illness at the location in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Nevertheless, he denied a single sexual charge he was facing, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was remanded in custody ahead of a additional proceeding on late November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, detailed the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She explained his victims were under-privileged children who were staying at a summer program which he operated.
The defendant conducted a "treat game" with the minors, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and ask them to consume candy "rapidly".
She stated to the judge the man had conducted this practice with the young males "for many years", and children had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She said the man had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had suspicions in July 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "This year his family member had worries about what was going on, justifiably.
"They decided to examine in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel explained materials including lubricant, ointment and injection devices were found, and his stepson notified the authorities about his worries.
She stated Ruben proceeded to engage in the "candy game" with six boys that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that stage," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, previously told that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
The prosecutor explained the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson contacted the police a second time.
She stated Ruben then played the "treat game" in a space of five minors.
