A person who spiked candy with tranquilliser and distributed them to children at a summer program in the region has admitted sexual offenses against two children both between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight children and one adult experienced illness at the location in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at the judicial center on the end of the week.
However, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was kept in jail ahead of a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, described Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She said his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a youth camp which he managed.
The man conducted a "sweet game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior said, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to eat sweets "rapidly".
She stated to the judge Ruben had conducted this practice with the children "for many years", and youngsters had previously become sick the next day.
She said the man had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had worries in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "This year his stepchild had worries about the activities, for good reason.
"They decided to have a look in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC stated objects including infant oil, Vaseline and syringes were located, and his family member contacted the police about his suspicions.
She said the man continued to conduct the "candy game" with six children that night - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"The police had not arrived by that time," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, had stated that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
Mrs Prior said the youngsters were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so the family member notified the law enforcement a second time.
She said Ruben then conducted the "sweet game" in a space of five children.
