A man who spiked treats with tranquilliser and provided them to children at a summer program in the region has admitted sexual offences against two children aged between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight minors and one adult experienced illness at the location in July.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at the judicial center on recently.
Yet, he disputed a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
The accused was remanded in custody ahead of a further hearing on 28 November.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, detailed the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She stated his victims were under-privileged children who were staying at a youth camp which he managed.
Ruben played a "treat game" with the children, the prosecutor said, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to ingest treats "rapidly".
She told the court the man had engaged in this activity with the boys "for many years", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the next day.
She said Ruben had been able to explain this for many years as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had concerns in July 2025.
The prosecutor stated further: "Recently" his stepchild had suspicions about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They decided to examine in the individual's items."
The prosecutor said objects including baby oil, petroleum jelly and syringes were found, and his family member contacted the authorities about his suspicions.
She said the man continued to engage in the "treat game" with six youngsters that time - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that point," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
The legal representative explained the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson contacted the law enforcement once more.
She stated Ruben then engaged in the "sweet game" in a area of five youngsters.
