A man who spiked sweets with sleeping medication and distributed them to youngsters at a summer camp in the area has confessed to sexual offences against two boys both nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight children and one adult fell ill at the location in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
However, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was against a nine-year-old child.
The accused was remanded in custody before a further hearing on late November.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, outlined the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She stated his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a summer camp which he operated.
The defendant played a "sweet game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to consume candy "rapidly".
She told the court the man had conducted this practice with the young males "over an extended period", and minors had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She stated the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had suspicions in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "Recently" his family member had concerns about the activities, with valid cause.
"They chose" to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC explained items including baby oil, ointment and injection devices were located, and his stepchild alerted the authorities about his suspicions.
She explained the man continued to engage in the "candy game" with six children that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the following morning.
"Authorities" had not responded by that stage," she added.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was examining the police response of the situation.
The prosecutor said the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson called the police a second time.
She stated the defendant then conducted the "treat game" in a room of five minors.
