A man who contaminated sweets with sedative and provided them to youngsters at a summer program in the area has confessed to sexual offences against two boys aged nine and ten years old.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight minors and an older person fell ill at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
However, he disputed a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was involving a young boy.
The accused was remanded in custody ahead of a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, handling the case, described the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She explained his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a youth camp which he operated.
The man conducted a "treat game" with the children, the legal counsel said, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and request they to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She told the court the man had conducted this practice with the children "over an extended period", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She explained the man had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had worries in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "In the summer" his stepchild had concerns about the situation, justifiably.
"They chose" to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC explained materials including baby oil, Vaseline and injection devices were found, and his stepson alerted the police about his worries.
She explained the man went on to engage in the "candy game" with six children that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that point," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the incident.
Mrs Prior explained the minors were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so the family member notified the police a second time.
She stated the man then played the "treat game" in a area of five minors.
