A man who laced treats with sedative and provided them to children at a summer program in the area has confessed to sexual crimes against two young males both nine and ten years old.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight youngsters and an older person experienced illness at the location in July.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at the judicial center on Friday.
Yet, he disputed a single sexual charge he was facing, which was involving a young boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody ahead of a subsequent court date on late November.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, outlined the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She explained his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a youth camp which he operated.
The defendant engaged in a "treat game" with the minors, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to ingest treats "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings the man had played this game with the boys "over an extended period", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the next day.
She stated the man had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had worries in summer 2025.
The legal representative continued: "This year his stepchild had worries about what was going on, justifiably.
"They chose" to have a look in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor stated items including infant oil, ointment and medical needles were found, and his family member contacted the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She said Ruben went on to engage in the "treat game" with six youngsters that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the following morning.
"Authorities" had not responded by that time," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
Mrs Prior explained the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson notified the police once more.
She stated the man then engaged in the "treat game" in a area of five youngsters.
