A person who laced candy with tranquilliser and gave them to youngsters at a summer camp in the region has admitted sexual crimes against two boys who were nine and ten years old.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight minors and a grown-up fell ill at the location in the summer month.
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 a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody before a additional proceeding on late November.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, detailed Ruben's offending to the court.
She explained his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a youth camp which he operated.
The defendant conducted a "sweet game" with the minors, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to ingest treats "rapidly".
She stated to the judge Ruben had conducted this practice with the young males "over an extended period", and children had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She explained the defendant had been able to explain this over a long period as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had concerns in July 2025.
The legal representative continued: "In the summer" his family member had concerns about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to examine in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC explained objects including baby oil, petroleum jelly and injection devices were discovered, and his stepchild contacted the authorities about his worries.
She said the man proceeded to engage in the "treat game" with six youngsters that evening - that Saturday - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that time," she continued.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was reviewing the police response of the events.
The legal representative stated the minors were struggling to walk due to their condition, so the stepson notified the police once more.
She explained Ruben then conducted the "candy game" in a space of five minors.
