An individual who spiked sweets with sleeping medication and provided them to youngsters at a youth camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two children who were nine and ten years old.
Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight minors and a grown-up experienced illness at the location in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
However, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was held in detention before a subsequent court date on late November.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, detailed the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She explained his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer program which he managed.
Ruben engaged in a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel stated, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the man had played this game with the boys "repeatedly", and youngsters had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She said Ruben had been capable of justifying this for many years as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had concerns in summer 2025.
The legal representative added: "In the summer" his family member had concerns about the situation, for good reason.
"They chose" to examine in the individual's items."
The legal counsel explained materials including baby oil, ointment and syringes were found, and his stepchild notified the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She said Ruben proceeded to engage in the "sweet game" with six youngsters that time - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that stage," she continued.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was reviewing the police response of the situation.
The prosecutor stated the minors were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson notified the law enforcement once more.
She stated the defendant then played the "candy game" in a room of five youngsters.
