A man who spiked candy with sedative and provided them to children at a youth camp in the area has admitted sexual offenses against two young males both nine and ten years old.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight children and a grown-up experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he stood at the judicial center on the end of the week.
However, he denied one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
The accused was kept in jail before a further hearing on 28 November.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, detailed the criminal behavior to the court.
She stated his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a summer program which he managed.
The defendant engaged in a "sweet game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to consume candy "rapidly".
She stated to the judge the defendant had conducted this practice with the children "repeatedly", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She said Ruben had been capable of justifying this for many years as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had suspicions in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "In the summer" his stepson had concerns about the activities, with valid cause.
"They chose" to examine in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor explained items including infant oil, Vaseline and medical needles were found, and his family member alerted the authorities about his suspicions.
She stated the man went on to engage in the "candy game" with six children that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that time," she added.
The oversight body, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
Mrs Prior said the children were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the stepson contacted the police again.
She said Ruben then engaged in the "treat game" in a area of five children.
