A man who laced sweets with sleeping medication and distributed them to children at a summer program in the region has admitted sexual offences against two young males both nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight minors and a grown-up fell ill at Stathern Lodge in July.
The senior citizen, from that region, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
Yet, he refused to admit one particular crime he was charged with, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody ahead of a additional proceeding on late November.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, described the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She stated his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer camp which he managed.
The man engaged in a "sweet game" with the children, Mrs Prior said, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and tell them to consume candy "rapidly".
She told the court Ruben had played this game with the children "over an extended period", and youngsters had previously become sick the following morning.
She explained the man had been able to explain this repeatedly as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had worries in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "In the summer" his stepchild had suspicions about the situation, for good reason.
"They decided to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor said materials including baby oil, petroleum jelly and injection devices were located, and his stepson alerted the police about his worries.
She stated the man went on to conduct the "sweet game" with six youngsters that time - that Saturday - and they were all ill the next day.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that stage," she stated further.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the situation.
The prosecutor said the children were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson called the law enforcement again.
She explained the defendant then engaged in the "treat game" in a room of five minors.
