An individual who contaminated sweets with tranquilliser and provided them to youngsters at a summer camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two boys who were nine and ten years old.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight children and one adult became sick at the facility in July.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
However, he refused to admit one particular crime he was facing, which was involving a young boy.
The accused was kept in jail ahead of a further hearing on November 28th.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, outlined the criminal behavior to the court.
She explained his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a summer program which he operated.
Ruben played a "treat game" with the children, Mrs Prior said, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to eat sweets "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had conducted this practice with the children "over an extended period", and minors had previously become sick the next day.
She said Ruben had been able to explain this repeatedly as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had worries in summer 2025.
The prosecutor stated further: "Recently" his family member had concerns about the situation, with valid cause.
"They chose" to examine in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel explained items including infant oil, Vaseline and medical needles were discovered, and his stepson contacted the law enforcement about his concerns.
She said the man continued to conduct the "sweet game" with six children that night - July 26th - and they were all ill the next day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that stage," she added.
The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
The legal representative stated the youngsters were struggling to walk due to their condition, so the family member called the law enforcement again.
She explained the man then played the "candy game" in a area of five minors.
