An individual who laced treats with sleeping medication and distributed them to children at a summer camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two children both nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight children and one adult became sick at the facility in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he stood at the courthouse on Friday.
However, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was remanded in custody before a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, detailed the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She explained his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a youth camp which he ran.
The man played a "candy game" with the minors, the legal counsel stated, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings the man had played this game with the children "over an extended period", and youngsters had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She said the man had been capable of justifying this for many years as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had worries in summer 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "This year his stepson had concerns about the situation, with valid cause.
"They chose" to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel said materials including infant oil, petroleum jelly and syringes were located, and his family member notified the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She said Ruben continued to engage in the "candy game" with six youngsters that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"The police had not gone out by that time," she stated further.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
The legal representative explained the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the family member called the authorities once more.
She stated the man then engaged in the "candy game" in a space of five minors.
