A man who laced candy with sleeping medication and distributed them to minors at a youth camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two boys both nine and ten years old.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight minors and a grown-up experienced illness at the location in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from that region, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Yet, he denied one particular crime he was charged with, which was against a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was remanded in custody ahead of a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, detailed the defendant's actions to the court.
She explained his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a youth camp which he ran.
The defendant engaged in a "sweet game" with the children, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would go into the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to consume candy "rapidly".
She stated to the judge the defendant had conducted this practice with the children "repeatedly", and children had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She explained the defendant had been able to explain this for many years as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had concerns in summer 2025.
The legal representative continued: "In the summer" his stepson had concerns about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They chose" to examine in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor explained materials including lubricant, Vaseline and syringes were found, and his stepson alerted the law enforcement about his worries.
She stated the man continued to conduct the "treat game" with six children that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the following morning.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that time," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was examining the police response of the situation.
The prosecutor explained the children were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson notified the police once more.
She explained the defendant then engaged in the "sweet game" in a area of five youngsters.
