A person who contaminated treats with tranquilliser and distributed them to minors at a summer program in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two boys who were nine and ten years old.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight minors and one adult became sick at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Nevertheless, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was kept in jail ahead of a further hearing on 28 November.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, described the defendant's actions to the court.
She said his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a summer program which he managed.
The defendant played a "candy game" with the minors, the legal counsel said, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to ingest treats "rapidly".
She told the court Ruben had engaged in this activity with the children "for many years", and children had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She stated the man had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had suspicions in summer 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "Recently" his family member had concerns about what was going on, for good reason.
"They resolved" to examine in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor explained materials including lubricant, petroleum jelly and medical needles were discovered, and his stepchild contacted the law enforcement about his concerns.
She said Ruben proceeded to conduct the "sweet game" with six children that time - July 26th - and they were all ill the following morning.
"Authorities" had not responded by that point," she added.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, previously told that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the events.
The legal representative explained the minors were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so the stepson notified the police a second time.
She said Ruben then played the "candy game" in a area of five children.
