A man who contaminated treats with sedative and gave them to children at a youth camp in the region has confessed to sexual offences against two children both nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight minors and a grown-up experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in July.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at the courthouse on Friday.
However, he disputed one particular crime he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was remanded in custody before a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, detailed the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She stated his victims were under-privileged children who were attending a youth camp which he managed.
The defendant engaged in a "treat game" with the minors, the prosecutor stated, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and request they to consume candy "rapidly".
She stated to the judge Ruben had conducted this practice with the children "over an extended period", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the next day.
She said the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had concerns in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "This year his stepchild had worries about what was going on, justifiably.
"They decided to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel stated objects including lubricant, Vaseline and syringes were found, and his family member contacted the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She stated Ruben went on to conduct the "candy game" with six boys that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the next day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that point," she continued.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, had stated that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
The legal representative stated the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so the family member notified the police a second time.
She stated Ruben then played the "sweet game" in a area of five minors.
