A man who contaminated sweets with sleeping medication and gave them to children at a youth camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two children both between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight minors and a grown-up experienced illness at the location in mid-summer.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Yet, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was involving a young boy.
Ruben was held in detention prior to a further hearing on 28 November.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, outlined the criminal behavior to the court.
She said his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a youth camp which he ran.
Ruben conducted a "candy game" with the children, the legal counsel said, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were settling down and request they to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She told the court Ruben had played this game with the young males "over an extended period", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the next day.
She stated the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had worries in July 2025.
The prosecutor stated further: "This year his stepson had concerns about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They decided to have a look in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor explained items including baby oil, ointment and medical needles were found, and his stepson contacted the police about his suspicions.
She stated Ruben proceeded to play the "treat game" with six boys that night - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that stage," she continued.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was examining the police response of the incident.
The legal representative said the minors were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so the stepson notified the authorities again.
She explained Ruben then engaged in the "treat game" in a room of five youngsters.
