An individual who laced candy with sedative and provided them to children at a summer camp in the region has confessed to sexual offences against two young males both nine and ten years old.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight minors and a grown-up became sick at Stathern Lodge in July.
The 76-year-old, from that region, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
However, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was against a young boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody before a subsequent court date on late November.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, handling the case, detailed the defendant's actions to the court.
She explained his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a summer camp which he operated.
Ruben played a "sweet game" with the children, Mrs Prior said, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She told the court Ruben had played this game with the young males "for many years", and minors had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She explained the defendant had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had concerns in summer 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "In the summer" his stepson had concerns about the activities, for good reason.
"They resolved" to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel stated items including infant oil, ointment and injection devices were found, and his family member contacted the police about his suspicions.
She stated the defendant proceeded to engage in the "candy game" with six children that time - July 26th - and they were all sick the next day.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that stage," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
The legal representative stated the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so the stepson contacted the law enforcement a second time.
She said the defendant then engaged in the "candy game" in a area of five minors.
