An individual who contaminated candy with sleeping medication and distributed them to youngsters at a youth camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two children who were between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight youngsters and a grown-up became sick at the facility in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from that region, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
However, he disputed one particular crime he was accused of, which was concerning a young boy.
The accused was remanded in custody ahead of a further hearing on late November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, described the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She explained his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a summer camp which he operated.
The defendant engaged in a "treat game" with the children, the prosecutor explained, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the man had engaged in this activity with the boys "for many years", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She said the defendant had been able to explain this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had suspicions in summer 2025.
The prosecutor stated further: "In the summer" his stepchild had worries about the activities, with valid cause.
"They decided to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC explained items including baby oil, ointment and medical needles were located, and his stepchild contacted the police about his suspicions.
She stated the man proceeded to engage in the "candy game" with six boys that night - July 26th - and they were all sick the next day.
"The police had not arrived by that stage," she continued.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, previously told that it was investigating the police response of the incident.
Mrs Prior stated the youngsters were struggling to walk due to their condition, so the stepson called the police a second time.
She stated Ruben then played the "sweet game" in a space of five youngsters.
