An individual who spiked candy with tranquilliser and distributed them to minors at a youth camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two boys who were nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight youngsters and an older person became sick at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The senior citizen, from that region, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Yet, he denied one particular crime he was accused of, which was against a young boy.
The defendant was held in detention ahead of a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, described 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.
The man engaged in a "sweet game" with the children, the legal counsel explained, in which he would go into the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to eat sweets "rapidly".
She stated to the judge the defendant had engaged in this activity with the children "repeatedly", and minors had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She said the defendant had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had worries in July 2025.
The legal representative added: "In the summer" his family member had concerns about what was going on, justifiably.
"They decided to examine in the individual's items."
The prosecutor explained items including infant oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were located, and his stepchild contacted the law enforcement about his concerns.
She said the defendant continued to conduct the "candy game" with six youngsters that time - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"The police had not arrived by that stage," she continued.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, previously told that it was reviewing the police response of the incident.
The prosecutor explained the minors were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so the stepson called the authorities once more.
She said Ruben then engaged in the "treat game" in a space of five children.
