A person who laced sweets with sedative and distributed them to minors at a youth camp in the area has confessed to sexual offences against two boys aged nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight children and one adult fell ill at Stathern Lodge in July.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
However, he denied one particular crime he was charged with, which was against a young boy.
The accused was kept in jail ahead of a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, handling the case, outlined the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She stated his victims were under-privileged children who were participating in a summer camp which he managed.
The defendant conducted a "sweet game" with the children, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and request they to consume candy "rapidly".
She stated to the judge the man had engaged in this activity with the boys "for many years", and children had previously fallen ill the next day.
She stated the defendant had been able to explain this repeatedly as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had worries in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "In the summer" his stepchild had concerns about the situation, with valid cause.
"They decided to have a look in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC explained materials including infant oil, petroleum jelly and syringes were located, and his stepson alerted the law enforcement about his concerns.
She stated the defendant continued to engage in the "treat game" with six children that evening - July 26th - and they were all ill the following morning.
"The police had not gone out by that time," she continued.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the situation.
The legal representative said the minors were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so the family member notified the law enforcement once more.
She explained the defendant then conducted the "treat game" in a area of five children.
