An individual who spiked sweets with sedative and provided them to children at a youth camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two children who were between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight minors and a grown-up fell ill at the location in the summer month.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he was present at the courthouse on recently.
However, he denied a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was involving a young boy.
The accused was kept in jail ahead of a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, described the defendant's actions to the court.
She stated his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer program which he operated.
The man played a "candy game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel explained, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to ingest treats "rapidly".
She stated to the judge Ruben had conducted this practice with the young males "over an extended period", and minors had previously become sick the next day.
She said the defendant had been able to explain this for many years as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had worries in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "Recently" his family member had suspicions about the activities, with valid cause.
"They chose" to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC stated items including lubricant, Vaseline and syringes were discovered, and his family member alerted the law enforcement about his worries.
She said the defendant went on to engage in the "candy game" with six children that time - that Saturday - and they were all sick the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that time," she added.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
Mrs Prior explained the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson contacted the law enforcement once more.
She stated the defendant then conducted the "candy game" in a space of five children.
