A man who laced treats with sedative and gave them to children at a summer camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two boys both nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight youngsters and an older person became sick at the facility in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from that region, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Nevertheless, he denied one particular crime he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was held in detention before a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, outlined the criminal behavior to the court.
She explained his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a youth camp which he managed.
The man engaged in a "candy game" with the children, the legal counsel explained, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were settling down and request they to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge Ruben had played this game with the young males "for many years", and minors had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She said Ruben had been capable of justifying this for many years as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had suspicions in summer 2025.
The prosecutor stated further: "This year his family member had suspicions about the activities, justifiably.
"They decided to examine in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC said items including baby oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were found, and his stepson alerted the authorities about his suspicions.
She stated the man proceeded to play the "candy game" with six boys that night - that Saturday - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"The police had not arrived by that stage," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, had stated that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
The legal representative stated the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson notified the law enforcement once more.
She said the defendant then conducted the "sweet game" in a space of five minors.
