A person who contaminated sweets with tranquilliser and distributed them to children at a summer program in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two children both nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight youngsters and an older person became sick at the location in July.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
However, he denied a single sexual charge he was facing, which was concerning a young boy.
The defendant was kept in jail ahead of a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, described the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She said his targets were under-privileged children who were participating in a youth camp which he managed.
The man conducted a "treat game" with the children, the legal counsel stated, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had engaged in this activity with the boys "over an extended period", and youngsters had previously become sick the following morning.
She explained the man had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had suspicions in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "Recently" his stepson had worries about the activities, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to investigate in the individual's items."
The legal counsel said items including lubricant, petroleum jelly and injection devices were discovered, and his stepson contacted the police about his worries.
She stated the man went on to conduct the "sweet game" with six boys that time - July 26th - and they were all ill the next day.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that point," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
The legal representative said the children were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so the family member notified the police once more.
She stated the defendant then engaged in the "treat game" in a space of five children.
