An individual who contaminated treats with sedative and distributed them to minors at a summer camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two children aged nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight youngsters and an older person became sick at the location in July.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
Yet, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was concerning a young boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody ahead of a further hearing on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, described the criminal behavior to the court.
She said his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer camp which he ran.
Ruben played a "treat game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor stated, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings the man had played this game with the young males "for many years", and minors had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She explained the man had been able to explain this for many years as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had suspicions in July 2025.
The legal representative continued: "Recently" his stepson had suspicions about the activities, justifiably.
"They resolved" to investigate in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel explained objects including lubricant, petroleum jelly and medical needles were located, and his stepchild alerted the authorities about his concerns.
She explained the defendant went on to play the "candy game" with six youngsters that evening - July 26th - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that time," she continued.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, previously told that it was examining law enforcement's management of the situation.
The legal representative stated the children were struggling to walk due to their condition, so the family member contacted the authorities a second time.
She stated the man then engaged in the "treat game" in a room of five children.
