A man who laced treats with tranquilliser and provided them to minors at a summer program in the region has admitted sexual offenses against two children who were nine and ten years old.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight youngsters and one adult fell ill at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
Yet, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was against a young boy.
The defendant was kept in jail before a further hearing on late November.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, outlined Ruben's offending to the court.
She said his victims were under-privileged children who were attending a youth camp which he operated.
The defendant played a "candy game" with the children, the prosecutor stated, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and request they to eat sweets "rapidly".
She stated to the judge Ruben had played this game with the boys "for many years", and minors had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She stated the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had suspicions in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "Recently" his family member had suspicions about the activities, with valid cause.
"They chose" to have a look in the individual's items."
The legal counsel stated objects including baby oil, Vaseline and syringes were found, and his family member notified the authorities about his suspicions.
She stated the defendant went on to play the "treat game" with six children that night - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"The police had not gone out by that time," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the incident.
The prosecutor said the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson notified the law enforcement again.
She said Ruben then conducted the "treat game" in a space of five youngsters.
