A person who spiked sweets with sleeping medication and provided them to children at a summer camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two children who were nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight children and a grown-up became sick at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he was present at the courthouse on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he disputed a single sexual charge he was facing, which was against a young boy.
Ruben was kept in jail prior to a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, handling the case, outlined the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She said his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer camp which he operated.
The man conducted a "candy game" with the children, the prosecutor stated, in which he would go into the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and request they to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had conducted this practice with the children "over an extended period", and minors had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She said Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had worries in July 2025.
The legal representative added: "This year his family member had concerns about what was going on, for good reason.
"They decided to have a look in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor stated materials including infant oil, Vaseline and medical needles were found, and his stepchild alerted the police about his concerns.
She explained the man went on to engage in the "candy game" with six children that time - that Saturday - and they were all ill the following morning.
"The police had not arrived by that time," she stated further.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
Mrs Prior explained the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson notified the authorities a second time.
She said Ruben then conducted the "sweet game" in a room of five minors.
