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An individual who contaminated treats with tranquilliser and distributed them to minors at a youth camp in the region has confessed to sexual offenses against two children who were between nine and ten.

Jon Ruben was arrested after eight minors and one adult experienced illness at the facility in July.

The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on recently.

Yet, he denied one particular crime he was accused of, which was involving a young boy.

Ruben was kept in jail ahead of a further hearing on 28 November.

'Sweet game'

Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, outlined the defendant's actions to the court.

She said his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a youth camp which he managed.

Ruben conducted a "sweet game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were settling down and tell them to consume candy "as quickly as they can".

She informed the proceedings the defendant had engaged in this activity with the children "repeatedly", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.

She said the defendant had been capable of justifying this for many years as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had worries in recently.

Mrs Prior KC stated further: "Recently" his stepson had worries about what was going on, for good reason.

"They resolved" to investigate in the man's possessions."

The legal counsel stated items including lubricant, Vaseline and medical needles were discovered, and his family member alerted the law enforcement about his worries.

She explained the defendant proceeded to play the "sweet game" with six boys that night - that Saturday - and they were all ill the following morning.

"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that stage," she continued.

The police watchdog, the police conduct office, had stated that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the events.

The legal representative explained the minors were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson contacted the authorities a second time.

She stated the man then played the "sweet game" in a area of five youngsters.