An individual who contaminated treats with tranquilliser and provided them to youngsters at a summer program in the region has confessed to sexual offences against two boys who were nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight minors and one adult became sick at the facility in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
However, he disputed one particular crime he was charged with, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody prior to a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, described the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She said his those affected were under-privileged children who were participating in a youth camp which he operated.
The defendant played a "candy game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor stated, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings the man had engaged in this activity with the children "over an extended period", and minors had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She stated the defendant had been able to explain this for many years as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had suspicions in July 2025.
The prosecutor stated further: "This year his stepson had concerns about what was going on, for good reason.
"They decided to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC stated materials including baby oil, petroleum jelly and syringes were located, and his stepchild alerted the authorities about his concerns.
She explained Ruben proceeded to conduct the "sweet game" with six children that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that time," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was reviewing the police response of the events.
The prosecutor said the minors were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson called the authorities again.
She stated the defendant then engaged in the "candy game" in a room of five minors.
