A person who spiked treats with sleeping medication and distributed them to children at a summer program in the area has admitted sexual offenses against two children both nine and ten years old.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight minors and one adult became sick at Stathern Lodge in July.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
Yet, he refused to admit one particular crime he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was held in detention ahead of a additional proceeding on late November.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, detailed Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She said his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer program which he managed.
The defendant played a "treat game" with the children, the prosecutor stated, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and tell them to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had conducted this practice with the children "repeatedly", and minors had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She explained the defendant had been capable of justifying this for many years as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had worries in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "In the summer" his stepchild had concerns about the activities, justifiably.
"They resolved" to have a look in the individual's items."
The legal counsel stated items including infant oil, ointment and medical needles were located, and his stepson contacted the police about his concerns.
She stated Ruben proceeded to engage in the "candy game" with six youngsters that time - that Saturday - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that point," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was reviewing the police response of the events.
Mrs Prior explained the children were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson called the authorities a second time.
She stated the defendant then engaged in the "candy game" in a space of five children.
