A man who contaminated treats with tranquilliser and provided them to youngsters at a youth camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two boys who were between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight minors and an older person fell ill at the location in July.
The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
However, he disputed a single sexual charge he was facing, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was kept in jail ahead of a additional proceeding on late November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, outlined the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She stated his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a youth camp which he managed.
The man conducted a "candy game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor explained, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and ask them to consume candy "rapidly".
She stated to the judge Ruben had engaged in this activity with the young males "for many years", and youngsters had previously become sick the next day.
She explained the man had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had worries in summer 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "Recently" his stepson had worries about the situation, justifiably.
"They decided to examine in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC stated objects including infant oil, petroleum jelly and injection devices were located, and his stepchild notified the police about his concerns.
She explained the defendant went on to conduct the "treat game" with six children that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that stage," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was investigating the police response of the incident.
The legal representative stated the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson called the authorities a second time.
She stated the defendant then engaged in the "sweet game" in a room of five youngsters.
