An individual who spiked sweets with tranquilliser and distributed them to children at a youth camp in the region has confessed to sexual offences against two boys both nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight children and one adult experienced illness at the facility in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at the courthouse on recently.
Yet, he disputed a single sexual charge he was facing, which was involving a young boy.
The defendant was kept in jail ahead of a further hearing on November 28th.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, outlined Ruben's offending to the court.
She stated his victims were under-privileged children who were attending a summer program which he operated.
The man engaged in a "treat game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and ask them to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She told the court the man had conducted this practice with the boys "repeatedly", and minors had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She said the man had been able to explain this for many years as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had suspicions in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "In the summer" his family member had worries about the situation, with valid cause.
"They decided to examine in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel explained objects including lubricant, petroleum jelly and injection devices were found, and his family member contacted the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She said Ruben continued to conduct the "candy game" with six boys that time - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that point," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
The prosecutor explained the minors were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson called the law enforcement again.
She stated the man then played the "treat game" in a space of five minors.
