A man who laced treats with tranquilliser and distributed them to youngsters at a youth camp in the region has confessed to sexual offenses against two boys aged nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight youngsters and one adult became sick at the location in July.
The 76-year-old, from that region, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he disputed one particular crime he was charged with, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was held in detention before a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, detailed the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She explained his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a summer camp which he ran.
Ruben engaged in a "treat game" with the children, the prosecutor stated, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge Ruben had engaged in this activity with the young males "repeatedly", and children had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She said the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had suspicions in July 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "Recently" his stepson had concerns about what was going on, justifiably.
"They decided to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC explained objects including lubricant, petroleum jelly and medical needles were found, and his stepson alerted the law enforcement about his concerns.
She said the man went on to engage in the "candy game" with six children that time - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that stage," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, previously told that it was examining law enforcement's management of the incident.
The legal representative explained the minors were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the stepson called the police a second time.
She said the man then conducted the "sweet game" in a area of five minors.
