A person who contaminated candy with sedative and provided them to children at a youth camp in the area has admitted sexual crimes against two boys aged nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight youngsters and a grown-up became sick at the facility in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at the judicial center on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he denied a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was involving a young boy.
The accused was remanded in custody ahead of a further hearing on November 28th.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, outlined the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She stated his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a youth camp which he operated.
The defendant engaged in a "treat game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel explained, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had conducted this practice with the boys "for many years", and children had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She said the man had been able to explain this repeatedly as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had suspicions in July 2025.
The legal representative continued: "This year his family member had concerns about the activities, with valid cause.
"They decided to examine in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel said materials including infant oil, Vaseline and injection devices were located, and his stepchild contacted the police about his concerns.
She stated the man proceeded to engage in the "sweet game" with six boys that time - that Saturday - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that stage," she continued.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
Mrs Prior stated the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson called the law enforcement a second time.
She explained the man then played the "candy game" in a area of five youngsters.
