A person who spiked treats with tranquilliser and gave them to children at a youth camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two children who were nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight children and an older person experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in July.
The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
However, he disputed one particular crime he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was kept in jail prior to a additional proceeding on late November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, described the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She explained his those affected were under-privileged children who were attending a youth camp which he operated.
The man played a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel explained, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and ask them to ingest treats "rapidly".
She told the court Ruben had played this game with the boys "for many years", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She stated Ruben had been able to explain this repeatedly as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had suspicions in July 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "This year his family member had worries about the situation, with valid cause.
"They chose" to examine in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC said items including baby oil, Vaseline and medical needles were found, and his family member contacted the police about his worries.
She stated Ruben continued to engage in the "sweet game" with six boys that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that stage," she continued.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the situation.
Mrs Prior explained the minors were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so the family member notified the law enforcement a second time.
She stated the defendant then played the "treat game" in a room of five children.
