A man who spiked candy with sedative and provided them to youngsters at a summer program in the area has admitted sexual crimes against two young males aged between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight minors and one adult became sick at the location in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
Yet, he denied one particular crime he was facing, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody prior to a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, detailed the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She stated his targets were under-privileged children who were participating in a summer camp which he managed.
The defendant engaged in a "treat game" with the children, the prosecutor stated, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had conducted this practice with the young males "for many years", and youngsters had previously become sick the next day.
She explained Ruben had been capable of justifying this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had worries in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "Recently" his family member had concerns about the activities, justifiably.
"They chose" to examine in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC stated objects including lubricant, petroleum jelly and syringes were located, and his stepson contacted the police about his suspicions.
She said the defendant proceeded to conduct the "treat game" with six youngsters that evening - that Saturday - and they were all sick the following morning.
"The police had not gone out by that stage," she added.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
The prosecutor said the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the family member contacted the police again.
She said the man then engaged in the "treat game" in a space of five youngsters.
