A person who contaminated candy with tranquilliser and gave them to children at a summer program in the area has confessed to sexual offenses against two young males who were nine and ten years old.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight children and one adult became sick at the facility in July.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
Yet, he disputed one particular crime he was charged with, which was against a young boy.
Ruben was kept in jail before a subsequent court date on late November.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, outlined the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She explained his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a youth camp which he ran.
The man engaged in a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor explained, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge Ruben had played this game with the boys "repeatedly", and minors had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She said the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had suspicions in July 2025.
The legal representative added: "Recently" his stepchild had concerns about the situation, justifiably.
"They decided to examine in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel said items including baby oil, Vaseline and medical needles were found, and his stepson alerted the police about his worries.
She said Ruben proceeded to play the "candy game" with six youngsters that night - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"The police had not gone out by that stage," she stated further.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was investigating the police response of the situation.
The legal representative said the minors were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so the stepson notified the law enforcement again.
She explained the defendant then conducted the "sweet game" in a space of five minors.
