An individual who spiked sweets with tranquilliser and provided them to youngsters at a summer program in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two young males both nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight minors and one adult experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The elderly man, from that region, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
However, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was held in detention ahead of a further hearing on November 28th.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, described the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She said his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a summer camp which he ran.
The defendant engaged in a "candy game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor said, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She told the court the man had played this game with the children "repeatedly", and minors had previously become sick the following morning.
She stated the man had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had concerns in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "Recently" his stepchild had worries about what was going on, justifiably.
"They chose" to investigate in the individual's items."
The legal counsel explained materials including baby oil, Vaseline and medical needles were found, and his family member notified the police about his worries.
She said Ruben went on to play the "candy game" with six children that evening - that Saturday - and they were all sick the next day.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that point," she added.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was examining law enforcement's management of the situation.
The legal representative stated the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the family member contacted the authorities a second time.
She stated the defendant then conducted the "candy game" in a room of five youngsters.
