A man who laced candy with sleeping medication and provided them to children at a summer program in the region has confessed to sexual offenses against two children who were between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight children and one adult experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he was present at the courthouse on recently.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit one particular crime he was accused of, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
The accused was held in detention before a subsequent court date on late November.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, handling the case, detailed Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She explained his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a summer program which he operated.
The defendant conducted a "treat game" with the minors, the prosecutor said, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and request they to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings the man had conducted this practice with the children "over an extended period", and children had previously become sick the following morning.
She stated the defendant had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had concerns in July 2025.
The legal representative added: "Recently" his stepchild had concerns about the situation, with valid cause.
"They chose" to investigate in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor stated materials including infant oil, ointment and syringes were discovered, and his stepchild alerted the police about his concerns.
She explained the man went on to conduct the "treat game" with six youngsters that night - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that time," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
The legal representative said the children were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson notified the police a second time.
She said the man then engaged in the "candy game" in a area of five minors.
