An individual who spiked candy with sedative and provided them to youngsters at a summer program in the area has admitted sexual offenses against two boys both between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight youngsters and one adult fell ill at the facility in the summer month.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Yet, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was facing, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was remanded in custody prior to a subsequent court date on late November.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, described Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She stated his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a summer program which he ran.
The defendant engaged in a "sweet game" with the children, the prosecutor explained, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to eat sweets "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings the man had played this game with the boys "over an extended period", and children had previously fallen ill the next day.
She stated the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had concerns in July 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "In the summer" his family member had worries about what was going on, for good reason.
"They decided to investigate in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel stated items including lubricant, Vaseline and syringes were located, and his stepchild contacted the police about his suspicions.
She explained the defendant went on to engage in the "candy game" with six boys that time - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that stage," she continued.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
The prosecutor explained the children were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson notified the law enforcement once more.
She said the defendant then engaged in the "sweet game" in a room of five youngsters.
