A person who laced treats with sedative and gave them to minors at a summer camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two young males who were nine and ten years old.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight minors and one adult became sick at the facility in July.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was facing, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was kept in jail prior to a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, outlined the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She said his victims were under-privileged children who were staying at a youth camp which he ran.
Ruben conducted a "treat game" with the children, the prosecutor said, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were settling down and tell them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the man had played this game with the boys "repeatedly", and minors had previously become sick the next day.
She explained the man had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had worries in July 2025.
The legal representative continued: "Recently" his stepson had concerns about the situation, with valid cause.
"They chose" to examine in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel stated materials including infant oil, Vaseline and medical needles were found, and his stepson alerted the law enforcement about his worries.
She explained the man continued to conduct the "candy game" with six youngsters that time - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"The police had not responded by that time," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was examining law enforcement's management of the events.
Mrs Prior explained the children were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so the stepson notified the authorities once more.
She said Ruben then engaged in the "treat game" in a space of five children.
