A man who contaminated treats with sleeping medication and provided them to minors at a youth camp in the area has admitted sexual offenses against two children aged nine and ten years old.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight youngsters and an older person fell ill at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The senior citizen, from that region, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody before a additional proceeding on late November.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, described the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She said his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a youth camp which he ran.
Ruben played a "treat game" with the minors, the legal counsel explained, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She told the court Ruben had played this game with the boys "for many years", and children had previously fallen ill the next day.
She explained the man had been able to explain this over a long period as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had concerns in summer 2025.
The legal representative added: "In the summer" his family member had worries about what was going on, justifiably.
"They chose" to examine in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel explained materials including lubricant, petroleum jelly and medical needles were found, and his stepchild contacted the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She explained Ruben continued to conduct the "treat game" with six youngsters that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that point," she added.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was examining the police response of the incident.
The legal representative said the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the family member called the law enforcement again.
She stated the defendant then engaged in the "candy game" in a area of five children.
