An individual who laced treats with tranquilliser and distributed them to children at a youth camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two children both nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight minors and a grown-up fell ill at Stathern Lodge in July.
The senior citizen, from that region, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he stood at the judicial center on the end of the week.
However, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was involving a young boy.
Ruben was kept in jail before a additional proceeding on late November.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, detailed the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She explained his victims were under-privileged children who were participating in a summer camp which he managed.
Ruben engaged in a "sweet game" with the minors, the prosecutor said, in which he would go into the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and tell them to consume candy "rapidly".
She told the court the man had conducted this practice with the boys "for many years", and youngsters had previously become sick the next day.
She stated Ruben had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had suspicions in summer 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "This year his family member had concerns about the activities, with valid cause.
"They decided to have a look in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor stated materials including infant oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were found, and his stepson alerted the authorities about his worries.
She said the defendant continued to conduct the "treat game" with six youngsters that time - July 26th - and they were all ill the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that point," she continued.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
The prosecutor said the minors were struggling to walk due to being ill, so the stepson called the police once more.
She explained the man then conducted the "candy game" in a room of five youngsters.
