A person who laced sweets with tranquilliser and gave them to children at a summer program in the region has confessed to sexual offences against two young males both nine and ten years old.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight minors and a grown-up 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 the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was against a young boy.
The accused was held in detention ahead of a further hearing on November 28th.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, described Ruben's offending to the court.
She stated his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer camp which he ran.
Ruben conducted a "candy game" with the children, the prosecutor stated, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and request they to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the defendant had conducted this practice with the children "for many years", and youngsters had previously become sick the following morning.
She explained the man had been capable of justifying this for many years as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had worries in July 2025.
The prosecutor stated further: "In the summer" his family member had worries about the situation, with valid cause.
"They decided to investigate in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel stated materials including baby oil, petroleum jelly and injection devices were located, and his stepchild contacted the law enforcement about his concerns.
She said the defendant proceeded to play the "sweet game" with six boys that time - that Saturday - and they were all sick the following morning.
"The police had not responded by that point," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, had stated that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the incident.
Mrs Prior explained the minors were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the family member called the police a second time.
She explained the defendant then conducted the "candy game" in a area of five youngsters.
