An individual who spiked candy with sleeping medication and distributed them to children at a youth camp in the region has admitted sexual offences against two children who were between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight minors and one adult fell ill at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from that region, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he was present at the courthouse on Friday.
Yet, he denied one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was kept in jail before a further hearing on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, handling the case, detailed the defendant's actions to the court.
She explained his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a youth camp which he managed.
Ruben conducted a "sweet game" with the minors, the prosecutor explained, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had engaged in this activity with the children "for many years", and minors had previously become sick the next day.
She stated the man had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had concerns in summer 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "In the summer" his stepson had worries about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They chose" to investigate in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel said materials including infant oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were discovered, and his stepchild notified the authorities about his worries.
She said the defendant continued to play the "candy game" with six boys that evening - that Saturday - and they were all ill the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that stage," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
Mrs Prior said the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the family member notified the authorities a second time.
She explained the defendant then played the "treat game" in a area of five children.
