A man who contaminated treats with sedative and provided them to youngsters at a summer program in the area has confessed to sexual offences against two boys aged between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight youngsters and a grown-up became sick at the facility in the summer month.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at the judicial center on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was against a young boy.
The accused was kept in jail prior to a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, outlined Ruben's offending to the court.
She explained his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a summer camp which he managed.
The man conducted a "sweet game" with the minors, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would go into the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She told the court Ruben had played this game with the boys "for many years", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She stated Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had worries in July 2025.
The prosecutor stated further: "This year his stepchild had concerns about the situation, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to examine in the individual's items."
The prosecutor explained materials including lubricant, ointment and injection devices were found, and his stepson contacted the police about his concerns.
She said the man proceeded to conduct the "treat game" with six children that evening - that Saturday - and they were all sick the next day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that point," she continued.
The oversight body, the investigative body, had stated that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
Mrs Prior said the minors were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the family member called the authorities once more.
She stated the defendant then engaged in the "sweet game" in a area of five youngsters.
