A person who spiked treats with tranquilliser and distributed them to minors at a youth camp in the area has admitted sexual crimes against two boys aged nine and ten years old.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight youngsters and one adult became sick at the location in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at the judicial center on the end of the week.
Yet, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was involving a young boy.
Ruben was kept in jail before a subsequent court date on late November.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, outlined the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She explained his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer camp which he ran.
Ruben played a "candy game" with the children, the prosecutor explained, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to eat sweets "rapidly".
She stated to the judge the defendant had played this game with the boys "repeatedly", and children had previously become sick the following morning.
She explained the man had been capable of justifying this for many years as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had suspicions in July 2025.
The legal representative continued: "This year his family member had suspicions about the activities, with valid cause.
"They decided to have a look in the individual's items."
The prosecutor said objects including infant oil, ointment and syringes were found, and his stepson contacted the police about his concerns.
She stated the defendant went on to conduct the "sweet game" with six boys that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"The police had not arrived by that time," she added.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
The prosecutor stated the minors were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the stepson contacted the police once more.
She explained Ruben then engaged in the "treat game" in a space of five children.
