A person who spiked sweets with tranquilliser and gave them to youngsters at a summer program in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two young males both nine and ten years old.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight children and one adult experienced illness at the location in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
Nevertheless, he disputed one particular crime he was charged with, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody prior to a further hearing on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, detailed Ruben's offending to the court.
She explained his targets were under-privileged children who were staying at a summer camp which he operated.
Ruben played a "candy game" with the minors, the prosecutor said, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had conducted this practice with the boys "repeatedly", and youngsters had previously become sick the following morning.
She explained Ruben had been able to explain this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had suspicions in summer 2025.
The prosecutor added: "Recently" his family member had worries about the activities, for good reason.
"They decided to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel explained objects including infant oil, Vaseline and medical needles were located, and his stepson contacted the police about his suspicions.
She said the man continued to conduct the "candy game" with six youngsters that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that point," she added.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, previously told that it was examining law enforcement's management of the situation.
The prosecutor explained the youngsters were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so the family member called the police once more.
She said Ruben then conducted the "sweet game" in a area of five youngsters.
