A person who laced sweets with tranquilliser and distributed them to youngsters at a youth camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two children aged nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight children and a grown-up experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in July.
The senior citizen, from that region, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
Yet, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was remanded in custody prior to a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, detailed the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She explained his those affected were under-privileged children who were attending a youth camp which he ran.
The man played a "candy game" with the minors, the prosecutor stated, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and request they to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She told the court Ruben had engaged in this activity with the young males "repeatedly", and children had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She explained the man had been capable of justifying this for many years as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had suspicions in July 2025.
The legal representative continued: "Recently" his family member had suspicions about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to examine in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor explained items including baby oil, ointment and medical needles were discovered, and his family member contacted the police about his concerns.
She explained the man went on to play the "candy game" with six children that night - that Saturday - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that point," she added.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was reviewing the police response of the situation.
The prosecutor stated the youngsters were struggling to walk due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson contacted the authorities a second time.
She said the defendant then engaged in the "treat game" in a space of five youngsters.
