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A man who spiked candy with sedative and distributed them to children at a summer camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two children aged nine and 10.

Jon Ruben was arrested after eight youngsters and an older person became sick at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.

The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he stood at the courthouse on the end of the week.

However, he disputed one particular crime he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old child.

Ruben was held in detention ahead of a additional proceeding on November 28th.

'Candy game'

Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, outlined the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.

She stated his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a youth camp which he ran.

Ruben conducted a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel said, in which he would go into the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and request they to consume candy "as fast as possible".

She stated to the judge the man had played this game with the young males "over an extended period", and youngsters had previously become sick the following morning.

She said the defendant had been able to explain this over a long period as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had worries in recently.

Mrs Prior KC stated further: "Recently" his stepchild had concerns about the activities, justifiably.

"They chose" to examine in the man's possessions."

The prosecutor explained materials including lubricant, ointment and medical needles were located, and his stepson contacted the law enforcement about his concerns.

She explained the man proceeded to engage in the "sweet game" with six children that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the next day.

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

The oversight body, the investigative body, previously told that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.

The legal representative said the youngsters were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so the family member called the police once more.

She explained the man then conducted the "candy game" in a space of five minors.