An individual who laced treats with sedative and distributed them to youngsters at a summer camp in the region has admitted sexual offenses against two children aged between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight children and one adult experienced illness at the facility in July.
The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Nevertheless, he denied one particular crime he was accused of, which was involving a young boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody before a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, described the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She explained his those affected were under-privileged children who were staying at a youth camp which he managed.
The man played a "candy game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel explained, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings the man had engaged in this activity with the young males "for many years", and minors had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She said the defendant had been able to explain this repeatedly as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had suspicions in summer 2025.
The legal representative continued: "In the summer" his family member had concerns about the activities, with valid cause.
"They decided to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel stated objects including baby oil, ointment and medical needles were discovered, and his stepchild notified the authorities about his concerns.
She explained the man continued to engage in the "sweet game" with six youngsters that night - that Saturday - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"The police had not arrived by that point," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was reviewing the police response of the situation.
Mrs Prior explained the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so the stepson called the authorities again.
She stated the defendant then played the "candy game" in a space of five children.
