A man who spiked candy with tranquilliser and provided them to minors at a summer program in the area has confessed to sexual offenses against two young males both nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight children and a grown-up became sick at the facility in July.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he stood at the courthouse on Friday.
However, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was against a nine-year-old child.
The accused was held in detention prior to a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, handling the case, detailed the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She stated his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a summer program which he managed.
The defendant conducted a "sweet game" with the children, the prosecutor stated, in which he would go into the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to consume candy "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had conducted this practice with the boys "for many years", and children had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She explained the man had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had suspicions in summer 2025.
The prosecutor added: "In the summer" his stepchild had concerns about the situation, with valid cause.
"They chose" to examine in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC explained materials including lubricant, Vaseline and medical needles were found, and his family member notified the authorities about his suspicions.
She explained the defendant went on to play the "candy game" with six youngsters that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that stage," she continued.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, had stated that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
Mrs Prior explained the children were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the family member contacted the authorities again.
She said the defendant then conducted the "sweet game" in a room of five children.
