A man who contaminated treats with sedative and distributed them to youngsters at a summer camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two boys who were nine and ten years old.
Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight minors and a grown-up experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in July.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he denied one particular crime he was facing, which was against a nine-year-old child.
The accused was held in detention before a further hearing on late November.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, detailed the criminal behavior to the court.
She said his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a youth camp which he operated.
The defendant conducted a "candy game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor said, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the defendant had engaged in this activity with the boys "repeatedly", and youngsters had previously become sick the next day.
She stated the man had been able to explain this repeatedly as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had suspicions in July 2025.
The prosecutor stated further: "In the summer" his stepson had suspicions about the situation, with valid cause.
"They chose" to investigate in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel explained items including baby oil, ointment and medical needles were discovered, and his stepson notified the authorities about his worries.
She stated Ruben proceeded to engage in the "treat game" with six youngsters that night - July 26th - and they were all sick the next day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that point," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, previously told that it was investigating the police response of the events.
The prosecutor said the minors were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the stepson contacted the police a second time.
She stated the defendant then played the "candy game" in a space of five minors.
