An individual who contaminated sweets with sleeping medication and gave them to youngsters at a youth camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two young males both nine and ten years old.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight minors and a grown-up fell ill at the location in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from that region, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he was present at the judicial center on Friday.
Yet, he denied one particular crime he was charged with, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was held in detention before a further hearing on November 28th.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, described Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She stated his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a summer camp which he operated.
The defendant played a "candy game" with the children, the prosecutor said, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings the man had conducted this practice with the young males "for many years", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She explained Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had worries in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "This year his stepchild had worries about the activities, justifiably.
"They decided to investigate in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor said items including infant oil, Vaseline and syringes were found, and his family member alerted the police about his concerns.
She explained Ruben continued to engage in the "sweet game" with six youngsters that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"The police had not arrived by that stage," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
The prosecutor stated the children were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the stepson called the police again.
She said Ruben then engaged in the "candy game" in a room of five minors.
