An individual who spiked treats with sedative and distributed them to youngsters at a summer camp in the region has confessed to sexual offences against two young males who were between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight children and one adult became sick at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from that region, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he disputed one particular crime he was facing, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
The accused was remanded in custody before a further hearing on 28 November.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, described the defendant's actions to the court.
She stated his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer camp which he operated.
The man conducted a "candy game" with the children, the legal counsel said, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and request they to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had played this game with the children "for many years", and minors had previously become sick the next day.
She stated the man had been capable of justifying this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had worries in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "This year his stepchild had suspicions about what was going on, for good reason.
"They chose" to examine in the individual's items."
The legal counsel said items including infant oil, ointment and syringes were discovered, and his family member contacted the law enforcement about his worries.
She explained Ruben went on to engage in the "treat game" with six children that night - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"The police had not arrived by that point," she added.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was investigating the police response of the events.
The legal representative explained the youngsters were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so the family member contacted the police a second time.
She explained the defendant then conducted the "candy game" in a space of five youngsters.
