A man who spiked candy with tranquilliser and provided them to children at a youth camp in the region has admitted sexual crimes against two children both nine and ten years old.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight children and one adult fell ill at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
However, he denied a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was held in detention prior to a further hearing on late November.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, described Ruben's offending to the court.
She explained his victims were under-privileged children who were participating in a youth camp which he operated.
Ruben conducted a "candy game" with the minors, Mrs Prior said, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge Ruben had played this game with the boys "for many years", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She stated the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had concerns in July 2025.
The prosecutor added: "In the summer" his family member had worries about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to investigate in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor explained materials including lubricant, ointment and medical needles were located, and his stepson notified the law enforcement about his worries.
She stated Ruben continued to conduct the "sweet game" with six youngsters that evening - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that point," she continued.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, had stated that it was reviewing the police response of the events.
The prosecutor stated the minors were struggling to walk due to being ill, so the stepson contacted the law enforcement once more.
She explained Ruben then conducted the "treat game" in a area of five children.