An individual who spiked candy with sleeping medication and provided them to minors at a youth camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two boys aged nine and ten years old.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight youngsters and an older person experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in July.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Nevertheless, he disputed a single sexual charge he was facing, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was kept in jail ahead of a further hearing on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, outlined the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She said his targets were under-privileged children who were staying at a summer program which he managed.
The defendant conducted a "candy game" with the children, the prosecutor said, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and tell them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had played this game with the boys "repeatedly", and youngsters had previously become sick the next day.
She stated Ruben had been able to explain this over a long period as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had concerns in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "Recently" his stepchild had worries about the activities, for good reason.
"They resolved" to have a look in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel said materials including lubricant, petroleum jelly and syringes were located, and his family member contacted the police about his suspicions.
She said Ruben continued to conduct the "treat game" with six youngsters that evening - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that time," she added.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, had stated that it was reviewing the police response of the events.
Mrs Prior explained the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the family member called the police again.
She said Ruben then conducted the "candy game" in a area of five minors.
