A man who contaminated treats with sedative and provided them to youngsters at a summer program in the area has confessed to sexual crimes against two boys aged nine and ten years old.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight minors and an older person fell ill at the location in the summer month.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at the courthouse on the end of the week.
However, he refused to admit one particular crime he was facing, which was involving a young boy.
The accused was remanded in custody prior to a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, handling the case, detailed the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She stated his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a youth camp which he ran.
The man conducted a "sweet game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were settling down and request they to consume candy "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had played this game with the boys "repeatedly", and youngsters had previously become sick the next day.
She explained the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had concerns in July 2025.
The legal representative added: "Recently" his stepchild had worries about the situation, for good reason.
"They chose" to have a look in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC said items including baby oil, Vaseline and injection devices were discovered, and his family member contacted the law enforcement about his worries.
She explained Ruben went on to engage in the "treat game" with six boys that night - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that point," she added.
The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
Mrs Prior stated the minors were struggling to walk due to their condition, so the family member notified the authorities again.
She said the defendant then engaged in the "sweet game" in a room of five children.
