An individual who contaminated treats with tranquilliser and gave them to children at a summer program in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two young males aged nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight children and one adult fell ill at the facility in mid-summer.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Yet, he disputed one particular crime he was charged with, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody before a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, handling the case, described the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She said his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a summer camp which he managed.
Ruben engaged in a "treat game" with the children, the prosecutor explained, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the man had engaged in this activity with the boys "repeatedly", and youngsters had previously become sick the next day.
She stated the man had been able to explain this repeatedly as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had concerns in summer 2025.
The legal representative continued: "This year his stepchild had concerns about the situation, justifiably.
"They decided to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel said materials including lubricant, petroleum jelly and injection devices were discovered, and his family member alerted the authorities about his concerns.
She said Ruben went on to conduct the "candy game" with six boys that evening - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that time," she added.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, had stated that it was examining law enforcement's management of the incident.
Mrs Prior stated the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so the family member contacted the police a second time.
She said Ruben then played the "candy game" in a space of five minors.
