A man who spiked candy with sleeping medication and provided them to children at a summer program in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two boys both between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight children and a grown-up became sick at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from that region, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at the judicial center on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was facing, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
The accused was held in detention ahead of a subsequent court date on late November.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, outlined Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She stated his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a youth camp which he ran.
The man played a "sweet game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and request they to eat sweets "rapidly".
She stated to the judge Ruben had played this game with the children "repeatedly", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She stated Ruben had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had worries in July 2025.
The prosecutor stated further: "In the summer" his stepchild had worries about the situation, for good reason.
"They resolved" to have a look in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor said objects including infant oil, ointment and medical needles were found, and his family member notified the police about his concerns.
She stated the defendant proceeded to play the "candy game" with six boys that time - that Saturday - and they were all ill the next day.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that time," she added.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
The prosecutor explained the children were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the stepson called the authorities once more.
She stated the man then played the "treat game" in a area of five minors.
