An individual who contaminated treats with sedative and distributed them to youngsters at a youth camp in the region has confessed to sexual crimes against two children both nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight youngsters and an older person fell ill at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he was present at the courthouse on the end of the week.
Yet, he denied one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was kept in jail ahead of a further hearing on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, outlined the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She explained his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a summer program which he ran.
The man conducted a "candy game" with the children, the prosecutor said, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings the man had played this game with the boys "for many years", and children had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She explained Ruben had been able to explain this over a long period as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had suspicions in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "Recently" his family member had worries about the activities, for good reason.
"They chose" to have a look in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel explained items including lubricant, ointment and medical needles were discovered, and his stepchild contacted the police about his worries.
She said Ruben proceeded to play the "candy game" with six youngsters that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that stage," she added.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, previously told that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
The prosecutor explained the minors were struggling to walk due to their condition, so the family member called the police once more.
She stated Ruben then conducted the "sweet game" in a area of five youngsters.
