A man who contaminated candy with tranquilliser and provided them to minors at a summer program in the region has confessed to sexual offences against two children aged between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight minors and an older person fell ill at the location in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Nevertheless, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was held in detention ahead of a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, outlined the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She explained his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a summer camp which he managed.
The man conducted a "sweet game" with the children, the legal counsel said, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge Ruben had played this game with the children "for many years", and children had previously become sick the following morning.
She stated Ruben had been capable of justifying this for many years as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had suspicions in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "Recently" his family member had concerns about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They decided to examine in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor explained objects including lubricant, Vaseline and syringes were discovered, and his stepchild contacted the law enforcement about his worries.
She said the man continued to conduct the "treat game" with six children that night - July 26th - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"The police had not arrived by that point," she continued.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
Mrs Prior stated the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so the family member called the authorities again.
She stated Ruben then engaged in the "candy game" in a space of five youngsters.
