An individual who laced treats with sedative and provided them to youngsters at a youth camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two young males both nine and ten years old.
Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight youngsters and an older person became sick at the facility in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
Yet, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was kept in jail before a further hearing on late November.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, outlined the defendant's actions to the court.
She said his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a summer program which he ran.
Ruben engaged in a "treat game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior said, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and request they to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She told the court the defendant had engaged in this activity with the boys "over an extended period", and children had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She stated the defendant had been capable of justifying this for many years as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had concerns in summer 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "Recently" his stepson had concerns about the activities, with valid cause.
"They chose" to investigate in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC stated items including infant oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were discovered, and his stepson contacted the police about his worries.
She said Ruben went on to engage in the "treat game" with six youngsters that evening - July 26th - and they were all ill the following morning.
"Authorities" had not responded by that stage," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
Mrs Prior said the children were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so the family member contacted the law enforcement again.
She said Ruben then engaged in the "treat game" in a space of five children.
