A person who spiked candy with tranquilliser and distributed them to minors at a summer camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two young males who were between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight children and one adult became sick at the facility in July.
The senior citizen, from that region, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
However, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was involving a young boy.
The accused was remanded in custody prior to a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, detailed the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She explained his targets were under-privileged children who were staying at a youth camp which he managed.
Ruben conducted a "sweet game" with the children, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the man had played this game with the boys "over an extended period", and children had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She explained the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had worries in summer 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "This year his stepson had worries about the activities, for good reason.
"They chose" to examine in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC explained materials including infant oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were found, and his family member notified the police about his suspicions.
She explained the defendant proceeded to engage in the "candy game" with six youngsters that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that stage," she added.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
Mrs Prior stated the children were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so the stepson called the police again.
She said Ruben then engaged in the "treat game" in a space of five youngsters.
