A man who laced candy with sedative and provided them to youngsters at a summer program in the area has confessed to sexual offenses against two young males both nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight minors and one adult fell ill at the location in July.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he disputed a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was kept in jail ahead of a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, detailed the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She said his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a summer program which he managed.
The man engaged in a "sweet game" with the children, Mrs Prior said, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and request they to ingest treats "rapidly".
She told the court Ruben had engaged in this activity with the young males "over an extended period", and minors had previously fallen ill the next day.
She explained Ruben had been able to explain this for many years as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had suspicions in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "In the summer" his family member had concerns about the activities, for good reason.
"They decided to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor stated materials including infant oil, ointment and syringes were located, and his stepson contacted the authorities about his worries.
She explained Ruben went on to play the "candy game" with six boys that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"The police had not responded by that time," she added.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, had stated that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
The legal representative stated the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so the family member notified the police again.
She said the defendant then engaged in the "candy game" in a room of five children.
