A man who contaminated candy with sedative and gave them to youngsters at a youth camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two boys who were between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight minors and one adult became sick at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
However, he denied one particular crime he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
The accused was held in detention ahead of a subsequent court date on late November.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, handling the case, described the defendant's actions to the court.
She stated his targets were under-privileged children who were attending a summer camp which he managed.
The defendant conducted a "sweet game" with the minors, the prosecutor stated, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were settling down and tell them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge the defendant had conducted this practice with the young males "for many years", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She explained the man had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had suspicions in summer 2025.
The prosecutor stated further: "This year his stepchild had suspicions about what was going on, for good reason.
"They chose" to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor stated materials including infant oil, ointment and medical needles were located, and his stepson notified the law enforcement about his worries.
She explained Ruben went on to conduct the "candy game" with six children that evening - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that point," she stated further.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, previously told that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
The prosecutor stated the children were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson contacted the police again.
She stated the defendant then conducted the "candy game" in a area of five minors.
