An individual who spiked candy with tranquilliser and provided them to youngsters at a youth camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two young males both nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight children and one adult became sick at the location in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
However, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was facing, which was concerning a young boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody ahead of a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, outlined Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She said his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a summer program which he ran.
The man engaged in a "candy game" with the children, the prosecutor explained, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and tell them to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge the man had engaged in this activity with the boys "over an extended period", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She explained the man had been able to explain this for many years as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had suspicions in July 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "Recently" his stepchild had concerns about what was going on, for good reason.
"They decided to investigate in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC said materials including infant oil, Vaseline and injection devices were found, and his stepchild contacted the authorities about his suspicions.
She stated the man went on to conduct the "sweet game" with six youngsters that evening - July 26th - and they were all sick the next day.
"The police had not responded by that point," she continued.
The oversight body, the investigative body, had stated that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the events.
The legal representative explained the children were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the stepson notified the law enforcement a second time.
She explained Ruben then conducted the "sweet game" in a area of five youngsters.
