An individual who laced treats with sedative and gave them to youngsters at a summer program in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two children both nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight youngsters and an older person fell ill at the facility in July.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
Yet, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was remanded in custody before a further hearing on late November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, outlined the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She said his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a youth camp which he operated.
Ruben conducted a "treat game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor explained, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to ingest treats "rapidly".
She told the court the man had played this game with the children "over an extended period", and children had previously become sick the next day.
She stated the man had been capable of justifying this repeatedly as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had concerns in summer 2025.
The prosecutor stated further: "This year his stepson had worries about the situation, for good reason.
"They decided to investigate in the individual's items."
The prosecutor said materials including infant oil, petroleum jelly and syringes were discovered, and his family member notified the police about his suspicions.
She said the defendant continued to play the "candy game" with six boys that evening - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"The police had not arrived by that point," she added.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the situation.
Mrs Prior stated the children were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so the stepson contacted the police again.
She said the defendant then played the "treat game" in a area of five minors.
