A man who laced treats with sedative and distributed them to minors at a youth camp in the region has admitted sexual crimes against two young males who were between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight youngsters and an older person fell ill at the location in July.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at the courthouse on recently.
Nevertheless, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was concerning a young boy.
The accused was kept in jail ahead of a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, outlined the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She stated his those affected were under-privileged children who were attending a youth camp which he operated.
The defendant conducted a "sweet game" with the minors, the prosecutor stated, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and request they to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had conducted this practice with the boys "over an extended period", and minors had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She stated Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had suspicions in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "This year his stepson had worries about the activities, with valid cause.
"They decided to have a look in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor said objects including baby oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were located, and his stepchild contacted the police about his concerns.
She said Ruben went on to conduct the "candy game" with six boys that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the following morning.
"The police had not responded by that stage," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, had stated that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
The legal representative explained the children were struggling to walk due to their condition, so the family member notified the police again.
She stated Ruben then played the "candy game" in a area of five children.
