An individual who laced treats with sleeping medication and gave them to children at a summer camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two boys who were nine and ten years old.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight youngsters and an older person fell ill at Stathern Lodge in July.
The senior citizen, from that region, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at the judicial center on Friday.
However, he disputed a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was involving a young boy.
The accused was kept in jail prior to a further hearing on 28 November.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, detailed the criminal behavior to the court.
She explained his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer camp which he ran.
The defendant conducted a "candy game" with the minors, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to eat sweets "rapidly".
She stated to the judge the man had engaged in this activity with the young males "for many years", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the next day.
She explained the man had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had concerns in summer 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "This year his family member had concerns about the situation, for good reason.
"They chose" to examine in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor said objects including lubricant, Vaseline and syringes were located, and his stepchild notified the authorities about his concerns.
She stated the defendant continued to engage in the "candy game" with six boys that time - that Saturday - and they were all sick the following morning.
"The police had not responded by that time," she continued.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, had stated that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
Mrs Prior stated the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson notified the police a second time.
She said the man then played the "treat game" in a room of five children.
