An individual who laced sweets with sedative and gave them to youngsters at a summer program in the area has confessed to sexual offenses against two boys who were nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight minors and an older person experienced illness at the location in July.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
Yet, he denied one particular crime he was charged with, which was concerning a young boy.
Ruben was kept in jail before a further hearing on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, outlined the defendant's actions to the court.
She explained his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a youth camp which he ran.
Ruben conducted a "candy game" with the children, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to consume candy "rapidly".
She told the court the defendant had conducted this practice with the boys "over an extended period", and minors had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She said the defendant had been able to explain this for many years as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had concerns in summer 2025.
The legal representative continued: "This year his stepchild had worries about the situation, justifiably.
"They resolved" to investigate in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC said materials including lubricant, Vaseline and syringes were located, and his stepson contacted the police about his suspicions.
She stated Ruben continued to engage in the "candy game" with six boys that evening - that Saturday - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that point," she continued.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was investigating the police response of the events.
Mrs Prior said the minors were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so the family member called the police once more.
She stated Ruben then played the "treat game" in a room of five youngsters.
