An individual who contaminated candy with tranquilliser and gave them to children at a summer camp in the area has confessed to sexual crimes against two children who were nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight children and a grown-up fell ill at the location in July.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Nevertheless, he denied one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was remanded in custody before a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, described Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She stated his those affected were under-privileged children who were attending a summer program which he managed.
The defendant engaged in a "candy game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and ask them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge Ruben had played this game with the boys "over an extended period", and minors had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She stated Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had suspicions in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "Recently" his family member had worries about what was going on, justifiably.
"They decided to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC explained items including infant oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were located, and his family member notified the law enforcement about his worries.
She stated the man proceeded to conduct the "candy game" with six children that evening - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Authorities" had not responded by that point," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, had stated that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
Mrs Prior explained the children were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson notified the police a second time.
She explained the man then engaged in the "candy game" in a room of five children.
