An individual who contaminated treats with sleeping medication and provided them to children at a youth camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two children aged between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight minors and a grown-up fell ill at the facility in mid-summer.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at the courthouse on recently.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was concerning a young boy.
The accused was held in detention ahead of a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, handling the case, detailed the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She said his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a youth camp which he operated.
The man conducted a "treat game" with the children, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to ingest treats "rapidly".
She stated to the judge the man had played this game with the children "for many years", and children had previously become sick the next day.
She stated Ruben had been capable of justifying this for many years as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had concerns in July 2025.
The legal representative added: "Recently" his stepson had concerns about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They chose" to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC said items including lubricant, petroleum jelly and medical needles were located, and his stepchild alerted the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She stated Ruben went on to engage in the "sweet game" with six youngsters that evening - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"The police had not arrived by that point," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, had stated that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
Mrs Prior stated the minors were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the stepson contacted the law enforcement a second time.
She explained Ruben then played the "candy game" in a space of five youngsters.
