A person who contaminated sweets with tranquilliser and gave them to minors at a summer program in the area has admitted sexual crimes against two young males both between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight youngsters and one adult became sick at the location in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
Yet, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
The accused was remanded in custody before a subsequent court date on late November.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, detailed Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She stated his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a youth camp which he operated.
Ruben conducted a "sweet game" with the minors, the prosecutor explained, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and request they to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings the man had engaged in this activity with the young males "over an extended period", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She stated Ruben had been capable of justifying this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had suspicions in July 2025.
The prosecutor added: "This year his family member had suspicions about the situation, for good reason.
"They resolved" to investigate in the individual's items."
The prosecutor explained items including baby oil, Vaseline and injection devices were located, and his stepson contacted the authorities about his worries.
She stated the defendant proceeded to play the "sweet game" with six boys that time - that Saturday - and they were all ill the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that stage," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was examining the police response of the incident.
The prosecutor explained the children were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the family member called the authorities again.
She explained the man then played the "candy game" in a space of five minors.
