An individual who spiked candy with sleeping medication and distributed them to youngsters at a youth camp in the region has confessed to sexual offences against two children who were nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight minors and an older person experienced illness at the facility in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
Yet, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was concerning a young boy.
The defendant was held in detention ahead of a further hearing on late November.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, detailed Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She stated his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer program which he managed.
The defendant conducted a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor stated, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and request they to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge the man had conducted this practice with the children "repeatedly", and minors had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She said Ruben had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had worries in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "Recently" his stepchild had suspicions about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They chose" to investigate in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel stated items including infant oil, ointment and syringes were found, and his family member contacted the police about his concerns.
She explained Ruben continued to conduct the "candy game" with six children that night - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that point," she added.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was reviewing the police response of the events.
Mrs Prior said the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson contacted the authorities again.
She said the defendant then engaged in the "treat game" in a area of five youngsters.
