A person who contaminated sweets with sleeping medication and provided them to youngsters at a youth camp in the area has admitted sexual crimes against two young males both between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight children and one adult fell ill at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from that region, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
Yet, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody ahead of a further hearing on 28 November.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, described the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She stated his those affected were under-privileged children who were attending a summer camp which he managed.
The man played a "candy game" with the children, the prosecutor said, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and request they to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge the defendant had engaged in this activity with the children "over an extended period", and minors had previously become sick the next day.
She explained the defendant had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had suspicions in July 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "This year his stepson had concerns about the activities, for good reason.
"They chose" to examine in the individual's items."
The prosecutor explained objects including baby oil, Vaseline and syringes were found, and his stepson notified the law enforcement about his worries.
She explained the defendant proceeded to play the "candy game" with six youngsters that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that stage," she added.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, had stated that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
The legal representative explained the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the family member contacted the authorities again.
She said the man then played the "sweet game" in a room of five minors.
