A man who laced treats with sedative and gave them to children at a summer camp in the region has confessed to sexual offenses against two boys aged between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight children and one adult became sick at the location in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from that region, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was facing, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was held in detention before a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, handling the case, detailed the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She stated his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a summer program which he managed.
The man played a "treat game" with the minors, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were settling down and request they to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She told the court the man had engaged in this activity with the children "for many years", and children had previously fallen ill the next day.
She explained Ruben had been capable of justifying this for many years as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had worries in summer 2025.
The legal representative added: "This year his family member had concerns about what was going on, justifiably.
"They resolved" to examine in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor explained items including infant oil, Vaseline and medical needles were discovered, and his family member contacted the law enforcement about his concerns.
She explained the defendant proceeded to engage in the "treat game" with six children that night - July 26th - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that stage," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, previously told that it was examining law enforcement's management of the events.
The prosecutor said the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the stepson contacted the police again.
She explained Ruben then played the "treat game" in a area of five youngsters.
