A man who laced treats with tranquilliser and provided them to minors at a summer camp in the region has admitted sexual offences against two children both nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight children and an older person became sick at Stathern Lodge in July.
The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was facing, which was involving a young boy.
The defendant was held in detention prior to a further hearing on November 28th.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, handling the case, outlined Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She said his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a youth camp which he managed.
The man played a "candy game" with the children, the prosecutor explained, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to ingest treats "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had engaged in this activity with the young males "over an extended period", and children had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She explained Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had suspicions in July 2025.
The prosecutor stated further: "Recently" his family member had concerns about the situation, for good reason.
"They decided to have a look in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC stated materials including baby oil, Vaseline and medical needles were located, and his stepson alerted the police about his worries.
She said the man went on to engage in the "candy game" with six children that evening - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that stage," she added.
The oversight body, the investigative body, previously told that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the events.
The prosecutor said the youngsters were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson called the police a second time.
She explained the man then conducted the "treat game" in a room of five youngsters.
