An individual who laced treats with sleeping medication and gave them to children at a summer program in the region has admitted sexual offenses against two boys who were between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight youngsters and an older person experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in July.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he stood at the judicial center on Friday.
Nevertheless, he denied a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was against a young boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody before a further hearing on late November.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, outlined the criminal behavior to the court.
She stated his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a youth camp which he managed.
The man engaged in a "sweet game" with the minors, the prosecutor explained, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to ingest treats "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had played this game with the young males "repeatedly", and children had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She stated the man had been capable of justifying this repeatedly as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had concerns in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "In the summer" his stepson had concerns about the situation, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel stated materials including infant oil, petroleum jelly and injection devices were located, and his family member notified the law enforcement about his concerns.
She explained the man proceeded to engage in the "candy game" with six boys that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"The police had not gone out by that point," she added.
The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
Mrs Prior explained the children were struggling to walk due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson contacted the authorities again.
She stated the defendant then conducted the "treat game" in a room of five youngsters.
