A man who laced treats with sedative and distributed them to minors at a summer program in the region has confessed to sexual offences against two boys both between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight minors and one adult experienced illness at the facility in the summer month.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
Yet, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was against a young boy.
The accused was held in detention ahead of a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, detailed the defendant's actions to the court.
She stated his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a summer program which he managed.
Ruben engaged in a "treat game" with the children, the prosecutor explained, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She told the court the man had engaged in this activity with the boys "for many years", and minors had previously become sick the next day.
She explained the defendant had been able to explain this for many years as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had suspicions in summer 2025.
The prosecutor added: "In the summer" his family member had worries about the situation, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to examine in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC stated materials including infant oil, petroleum jelly and injection devices were discovered, and his stepson alerted the authorities about his concerns.
She explained the man went on to engage in the "sweet game" with six boys that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that stage," she continued.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was examining the police response of the situation.
Mrs Prior explained the children were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the stepson notified the police once more.
She said Ruben then played the "candy game" in a area of five youngsters.
