An individual who laced sweets with tranquilliser and distributed them to children at a summer camp in the region has confessed to sexual offenses against two children both nine and ten years old.
Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight youngsters and an older person fell ill at the location in July.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Nevertheless, he disputed one particular crime he was facing, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody ahead of a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, detailed the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She explained his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a youth camp which he managed.
The defendant engaged in a "treat game" with the children, the prosecutor stated, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had conducted this practice with the boys "repeatedly", and children had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She said the man had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had suspicions in July 2025.
The prosecutor added: "Recently" his family member had worries about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They chose" to investigate in the individual's items."
The prosecutor stated items including infant oil, Vaseline and medical needles were found, and his stepchild alerted the police about his suspicions.
She explained the man proceeded to play the "candy game" with six youngsters that night - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that time," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was examining the police response of the events.
Mrs Prior stated the children were struggling to walk due to being ill, so the stepson called the law enforcement a second time.
She explained the defendant then played the "treat game" in a room of five youngsters.
