An individual who spiked treats with sleeping medication and provided them to youngsters at a summer program in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two young males who were between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight youngsters and one adult experienced illness at the location in July.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
Yet, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was held in detention before a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, detailed Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She said his victims were under-privileged children who were staying at a summer camp which he ran.
The man played a "candy game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior said, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to ingest treats "rapidly".
She stated to the judge the man had played this game with the boys "for many years", and children had previously fallen ill the next day.
She stated Ruben had been able to explain this repeatedly as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had worries in summer 2025.
The prosecutor stated further: "This year his stepson had worries about what was going on, for good reason.
"They resolved" to investigate in the individual's items."
The legal counsel stated objects including lubricant, Vaseline and syringes were found, and his stepson alerted the law enforcement about his concerns.
She stated Ruben proceeded to engage in the "treat game" with six children that night - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that stage," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
The legal representative said the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson notified the police again.
She explained the man then conducted the "sweet game" in a space of five youngsters.
