A man who laced sweets with tranquilliser and gave them to minors at a summer program in the area has confessed to sexual offenses against two boys both between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight children and one adult became sick at Stathern Lodge in July.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was against a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was held in detention ahead of a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, outlined the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She said his victims were under-privileged children who were staying at a summer program which he operated.
The defendant played a "candy game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel explained, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had conducted this practice with the children "over an extended period", and minors had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She stated Ruben had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had concerns in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "Recently" his stepson had worries about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They decided to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC said materials including lubricant, petroleum jelly and medical needles were located, and his stepchild alerted the law enforcement about his concerns.
She explained Ruben went on to engage in the "treat game" with six boys that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the next day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that stage," she added.
The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the situation.
Mrs Prior said the children were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so the stepson notified the law enforcement again.
She stated Ruben then conducted the "candy game" in a space of five minors.
