A man who spiked sweets with sleeping medication and distributed them to children at a youth camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two boys who were between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight youngsters and one adult became sick at the facility in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at the courthouse on recently.
Nevertheless, he disputed one particular crime he was facing, which was involving a young boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody ahead of a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, outlined the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She said his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a youth camp which he operated.
The man played a "candy game" with the children, the prosecutor stated, in which he would go into the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and request they to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the defendant had conducted this practice with the children "repeatedly", and minors had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She stated the man had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had concerns in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "This year his stepchild had suspicions about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They decided to examine in the individual's items."
The legal counsel stated objects including baby oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were located, and his family member notified the authorities about his worries.
She explained Ruben continued to engage in the "sweet game" with six boys that evening - July 26th - and they were all ill the following morning.
"Authorities" had not responded by that stage," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
The prosecutor stated the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so the family member called the law enforcement again.
She explained the man then engaged in the "sweet game" in a area of five minors.
