A man who laced sweets with sleeping medication and provided them to children at a youth camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two boys aged nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight children and one adult became sick at the facility in July.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
However, he refused to admit one particular crime he was charged with, which was against a nine-year-old child.
The accused was held in detention ahead of a further hearing on November 28th.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, detailed the criminal behavior to the court.
She explained his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a youth camp which he operated.
The defendant played a "candy game" with the children, the prosecutor said, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had played this game with the children "over an extended period", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the next day.
She explained the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had suspicions in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "In the summer" his stepson had concerns about the situation, with valid cause.
"They chose" to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel explained items including infant oil, ointment and syringes were located, and his family member contacted the law enforcement about his concerns.
She said Ruben went on to engage in the "sweet game" with six youngsters that evening - July 26th - and they were all sick the following morning.
"The police had not responded by that time," she added.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, previously told that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
The legal representative explained the minors were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson called the authorities a second time.
She explained the man then conducted the "treat game" in a room of five children.
