A man who laced candy with tranquilliser and gave them to minors at a summer camp in the region has confessed to sexual offences against two children both between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight children and one adult experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit one particular crime he was accused of, which was concerning a young boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody before a further hearing on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, detailed the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She stated his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a summer program which he ran.
The defendant engaged in a "candy game" with the children, the prosecutor said, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings the man had engaged in this activity with the boys "for many years", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She said the defendant had been able to explain this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had concerns in July 2025.
The legal representative continued: "Recently" his family member had concerns about the situation, justifiably.
"They chose" to have a look in the individual's items."
The prosecutor said items including infant oil, Vaseline and injection devices were located, and his stepchild notified the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She said the man continued to play the "candy game" with six children that evening - July 26th - and they were all ill the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that time," she stated further.
The oversight body, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was examining the police response of the situation.
The legal representative explained the children were struggling to walk due to being ill, so the family member contacted the law enforcement again.
She explained the man then conducted the "treat game" in a space of five minors.
