A person who contaminated treats with sleeping medication and gave them to minors at a summer camp in the region has admitted sexual offenses against two boys who were between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight children and an older person fell ill at the location in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he stood at the judicial center on Friday.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was concerning a young boy.
The accused was remanded in custody before a further hearing on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, outlined the defendant's actions to the court.
She said his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer program which he managed.
The defendant conducted a "sweet game" with the children, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge Ruben had played this game with the boys "over an extended period", and children had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She explained the defendant had been able to explain this for many years as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had suspicions in summer 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "In the summer" his family member had suspicions about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They chose" to examine in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC said materials including lubricant, petroleum jelly and injection devices were located, and his stepchild contacted the police about his concerns.
She said the defendant went on to play the "candy game" with six children that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that time," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, previously told that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
The legal representative said the children were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the stepson notified the authorities again.
She stated Ruben then played the "sweet game" in a space of five minors.
