A person who laced treats with sedative and distributed them to minors at a summer camp in the region has confessed to sexual offences against two children who were between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight minors and an older person fell ill at the location in the summer month.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was kept in jail before a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, described the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She explained his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a youth camp which he operated.
The defendant conducted a "candy game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor stated, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to eat sweets "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings the man had conducted this practice with the children "repeatedly", and children had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She explained Ruben had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had suspicions in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "This year his stepchild had concerns about the activities, for good reason.
"They decided to examine in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel stated materials including baby oil, petroleum jelly and syringes were found, and his stepchild notified the authorities about his concerns.
She explained Ruben continued to conduct the "treat game" with six boys that night - July 26th - and they were all sick the next day.
"The police had not arrived by that stage," she continued.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
The legal representative stated the youngsters were struggling to walk due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson called the authorities once more.
She explained Ruben then engaged in the "sweet game" in a room of five children.
