A person who spiked candy with tranquilliser and provided them to children at a summer program in the region has admitted sexual offenses against two boys aged between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight minors and one adult experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he was present at the judicial center on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit one particular crime he was charged with, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was remanded in custody before a subsequent court date on late November.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, detailed the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She stated his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a summer program which he managed.
Ruben 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 ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She told the court the defendant had engaged in this activity with the young males "repeatedly", and children had previously become sick the following morning.
She stated Ruben had been capable of justifying this for many years as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had worries in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "Recently" his stepson had worries about what was going on, for good reason.
"They resolved" to have a look in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor said items including lubricant, petroleum jelly and syringes were located, and his stepchild contacted the police about his worries.
She said the man proceeded to play the "candy game" with six boys that evening - that Saturday - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"The police had not responded by that stage," she added.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
Mrs Prior stated the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the family member contacted the law enforcement once more.
She stated Ruben then conducted the "treat game" in a room of five children.
