A man who laced treats with sleeping medication and provided them to children at a youth camp in the region has confessed to sexual offences against two young males aged nine and ten years old.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight youngsters and one adult experienced illness at the location in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was held in detention prior to a additional proceeding on late November.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, described the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She stated his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a youth camp which he managed.
The man played a "treat game" with the minors, the legal counsel explained, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She told the court Ruben had played this game with the young males "for many years", and minors had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She said Ruben had been able to explain this over a long period as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had worries in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "This year his stepson had worries about the activities, for good reason.
"They decided to examine in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC explained items including infant oil, Vaseline and medical needles were found, and his stepchild notified the law enforcement about his worries.
She explained the man went on to play the "treat game" with six boys that night - July 26th - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that point," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, had stated that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
The legal representative explained the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the stepson contacted the authorities once more.
She stated the man then engaged in the "candy game" in a area of five minors.
