A man who spiked sweets with tranquilliser and gave them to children at a youth camp in the area has admitted sexual offenses against two young males both nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight youngsters and a grown-up became sick at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
However, he disputed one particular crime he was facing, which was against a young boy.
The accused was kept in jail ahead of a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, handling the case, detailed Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She explained his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer program which he managed.
The defendant engaged in a "treat game" with the minors, the prosecutor stated, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were settling down and ask them to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had conducted this practice with the boys "for many years", and children had previously fallen ill the next day.
She said Ruben had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had worries in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "This year his stepchild had concerns about what was going on, justifiably.
"They resolved" to examine in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel said materials including lubricant, Vaseline and medical needles were located, and his stepchild notified the law enforcement about his concerns.
She explained the man proceeded to engage in the "candy game" with six youngsters that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that stage," she continued.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was reviewing the police response of the events.
The prosecutor stated the youngsters were struggling to walk due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson notified the law enforcement once more.
She explained the defendant then engaged in the "sweet game" in a space of five youngsters.
