A man who laced candy with sleeping medication and distributed them to youngsters at a summer program in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two young males both nine and ten years old.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight youngsters and one adult experienced illness at the facility in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Yet, he denied a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was kept in jail ahead of a further hearing on late November.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, detailed Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She said his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a summer camp which he managed.
Ruben conducted a "candy game" with the minors, the legal counsel said, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were settling down and tell them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the man had engaged in this activity with the children "over an extended period", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the next day.
She stated the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had worries in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "In the summer" his family member had concerns about the situation, justifiably.
"They decided to have a look in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor said items including infant oil, Vaseline and injection devices were found, and his stepson notified the law enforcement about his worries.
She stated the man continued to play the "sweet game" with six youngsters that night - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that stage," she continued.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
Mrs Prior stated the children were struggling to walk due to being ill, so the family member called the authorities once more.
She said the man then engaged in the "sweet game" in a space of five minors.
