An individual who contaminated candy with tranquilliser and distributed them to minors at a summer program in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two children both nine and ten years old.
Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight minors and an older person experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The elderly man, from that region, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Nevertheless, he denied a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was concerning a young boy.
Ruben was held in detention ahead of a further hearing on late November.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, outlined the defendant's actions to the court.
She explained his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a youth camp which he ran.
Ruben played a "treat game" with the minors, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to eat sweets "rapidly".
She stated to the judge the defendant had played this game with the children "for many years", and youngsters had previously become sick the next day.
She explained Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had worries in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "This year his family member had suspicions about the activities, for good reason.
"They decided to examine in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC stated materials including baby oil, Vaseline and medical needles were located, and his family member contacted the police about his concerns.
She explained the man proceeded to conduct the "sweet game" with six children that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the next day.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that point," she added.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
The prosecutor explained the youngsters were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so the family member notified the police a second time.
She said the man then conducted the "treat game" in a space of five minors.
