A person who laced treats with tranquilliser and distributed them to minors at a summer program in the area has confessed to sexual offenses against two boys who were nine and ten years old.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight children and one adult experienced illness at the facility in July.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
Nevertheless, he denied one particular crime he was charged with, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was remanded in custody prior to a subsequent court date on late November.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, outlined the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She said his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a youth camp which he managed.
The man conducted a "sweet game" with the minors, the legal counsel stated, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and ask them to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had played this game with the boys "over an extended period", and children had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She explained Ruben had been capable of justifying this for many years as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had worries in summer 2025.
The legal representative continued: "Recently" his stepson had worries about what was going on, for good reason.
"They resolved" to investigate in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor said objects including baby oil, ointment and medical needles were located, and his stepson notified the police about his concerns.
She stated the defendant proceeded to play the "candy game" with six youngsters that evening - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"The police had not responded by that point," she added.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, previously told that it was examining law enforcement's management of the events.
The legal representative said the youngsters were struggling to walk due to their condition, so the stepson contacted the police once more.
She stated the man then conducted the "candy game" in a area of five youngsters.
