A man who contaminated treats with sleeping medication and gave them to children at a summer camp in the area has admitted sexual offenses against two boys who were nine and ten years old.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight youngsters and one adult became sick at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he stood at the courthouse on the end of the week.
However, he denied a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was kept in jail ahead of a further hearing on late November.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, described the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She stated his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a youth camp which he ran.
Ruben conducted a "treat game" with the minors, the prosecutor stated, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to eat sweets "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings the man had conducted this practice with the boys "repeatedly", and children had previously become sick the next day.
She said the defendant had been able to explain this for many years as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had concerns in July 2025.
The prosecutor added: "In the summer" his stepchild had concerns about the situation, with valid cause.
"They decided to have a look in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel stated materials including infant oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were found, and his stepson alerted the law enforcement about his worries.
She stated Ruben proceeded to conduct the "candy game" with six boys that time - July 26th - and they were all ill the next day.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that time," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
The prosecutor explained the children were struggling to walk due to being ill, so the family member notified the law enforcement once more.
She explained Ruben then engaged in the "sweet game" in a room of five children.
