An individual who spiked treats with tranquilliser and provided them to youngsters at a summer camp in the region has confessed to sexual crimes against two children aged nine and ten years old.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight youngsters and one adult experienced illness at the facility in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit one particular crime he was facing, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody ahead of a additional proceeding on late November.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, handling the case, outlined Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She stated his victims were under-privileged children who were staying at a summer program which he managed.
Ruben conducted a "candy game" with the minors, Mrs Prior said, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She told the court Ruben had engaged in this activity with the boys "over an extended period", and children had previously become sick the next day.
She said the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had concerns in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "This year his stepson had suspicions about the activities, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to examine in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel said materials including baby oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were located, and his family member contacted the authorities about his worries.
She said the man proceeded to play the "candy game" with six children that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that point," she continued.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was investigating the police response of the situation.
The legal representative explained the children were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson called the authorities again.
She said Ruben then engaged in the "sweet game" in a space of five minors.
