A man who laced candy with tranquilliser and provided them to children at a summer camp in the area has admitted sexual offences against two young males aged nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight minors and an older person became sick at the location in July.
The elderly man, from that region, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Yet, he disputed a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
The accused was held in detention prior to a further hearing on 28 November.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, detailed Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She stated his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a summer program which he managed.
Ruben conducted a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor explained, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to consume candy "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings the man had played this game with the boys "repeatedly", and children had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She explained Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had concerns in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "In the summer" his stepchild had concerns about what was going on, for good reason.
"They resolved" to have a look in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC said materials including baby oil, ointment and syringes were located, and his stepson contacted the law enforcement about his worries.
She stated the defendant went on to play the "sweet game" with six boys that night - July 26th - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that stage," she stated further.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, had stated that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the incident.
The legal representative explained the children were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so the stepson notified the police again.
She explained the defendant then conducted the "sweet game" in a space of five children.
