An individual who spiked treats with tranquilliser and distributed them to minors at a summer program in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two boys who were between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight children and one adult became sick at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from that region, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
However, he denied one particular crime he was facing, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was held in detention ahead of a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, detailed the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She said his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a summer camp which he operated.
The defendant engaged in a "candy game" with the children, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the defendant had played this game with the children "repeatedly", and youngsters had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She explained the defendant had been capable of justifying this for many years as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had worries in summer 2025.
The legal representative continued: "In the summer" his family member had suspicions about the activities, justifiably.
"They decided to investigate in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC stated materials including lubricant, petroleum jelly and medical needles were located, and his family member notified the police about his worries.
She explained Ruben continued to engage in the "treat game" with six children that evening - July 26th - and they were all ill the next day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that point," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
The prosecutor said the children were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so the stepson notified the police a second time.
She stated the defendant then engaged in the "sweet game" in a room of five minors.
