A man who spiked sweets with tranquilliser and gave them to youngsters at a summer program in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two young males who were between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight minors and an older person fell ill at Stathern Lodge in July.
The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Yet, he disputed a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody prior to a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, handling the case, outlined the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She said his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a youth camp which he ran.
Ruben engaged in a "treat game" with the minors, the prosecutor said, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge the defendant had conducted this practice with the boys "repeatedly", and children had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She said Ruben had been able to explain this for many years as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had worries in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "This year his stepchild had suspicions about the activities, justifiably.
"They decided to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor said items including lubricant, ointment and injection devices were found, and his stepson contacted the law enforcement about his concerns.
She stated the man proceeded to conduct the "candy game" with six youngsters that night - that Saturday - and they were all sick the following morning.
"The police had not responded by that stage," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was investigating the police response of the situation.
The legal representative explained the youngsters were struggling to walk due to their condition, so the family member called the law enforcement a second time.
She said the man then engaged in the "candy game" in a area of five minors.
