An individual who spiked treats with sleeping medication and distributed them to minors at a summer camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two boys who were nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight children and one adult became sick at Stathern Lodge in July.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at the judicial center on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit one particular crime he was accused of, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was held in detention ahead of a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, detailed Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She explained his victims were under-privileged children who were staying at a youth camp which he operated.
Ruben conducted a "candy game" with the children, the prosecutor explained, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had played this game with the young males "over an extended period", and youngsters had previously become sick the following morning.
She explained Ruben had been able to explain this over a long period as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had suspicions in summer 2025.
The prosecutor stated further: "This year his stepson had suspicions about the activities, for good reason.
"They resolved" to examine in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel stated objects including baby oil, ointment and injection devices were located, and his stepchild contacted the authorities about his worries.
She stated the defendant went on to conduct the "candy game" with six children that evening - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that time," she continued.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, had stated that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
The prosecutor said the minors were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so the family member notified the authorities again.
She explained Ruben then engaged in the "sweet game" in a room of five children.
