A person who contaminated sweets with tranquilliser and distributed them to youngsters at a summer program in the area has admitted sexual offences against two boys who were between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight children and an older person experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he stood at the courthouse on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was facing, which was involving a young boy.
Ruben was kept in jail ahead of a further hearing on November 28th.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, detailed the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She explained his targets were under-privileged children who were attending a summer program which he operated.
The man conducted a "sweet game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had conducted this practice with the children "for many years", and minors had previously fallen ill the next day.
She explained the man had been able to explain this repeatedly as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had concerns in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "This year his stepchild had worries about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They chose" to have a look in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC stated items including infant oil, ointment and injection devices were located, and his stepson alerted the law enforcement about his worries.
She explained the defendant continued to play the "sweet game" with six boys that night - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that time," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, had stated that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
The prosecutor explained the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson notified the police again.
She said the man then conducted the "sweet game" in a space of five youngsters.
