An individual who laced treats with sedative and provided them to minors at a summer program in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two children both nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight minors and one adult experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from that region, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
However, he refused to admit one particular crime he was facing, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody prior to a subsequent court date on late November.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, described the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She said his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a summer camp which he operated.
Ruben played a "candy game" with the minors, the legal counsel explained, in which he would go into the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and request they to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings the man had engaged in this activity with the children "repeatedly", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She explained Ruben had been able to explain this for many years as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had worries in July 2025.
The legal representative added: "Recently" his stepson had suspicions about the situation, for good reason.
"They chose" to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC explained items including infant oil, ointment and medical needles were discovered, and his family member alerted the law enforcement about his concerns.
She explained the man went on to engage in the "candy game" with six boys that evening - July 26th - and they were all sick the next day.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that point," she added.
The oversight body, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was examining the police response of the events.
The prosecutor stated the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the stepson notified the law enforcement once more.
She explained the man then engaged in the "candy game" in a area of five minors.
