A person who laced treats with sleeping medication and distributed them to minors at a youth camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two boys who were between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight youngsters and one adult experienced illness at the location in July.
The 76-year-old, from that region, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
Yet, he denied one particular crime he was accused of, which was against a young boy.
Ruben was kept in jail prior to a subsequent court date on late November.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, detailed the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She explained his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a youth camp which he operated.
Ruben conducted a "candy game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would go into the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge the defendant had conducted this practice with the young males "repeatedly", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She said the man had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had concerns in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "In the summer" his family member had suspicions about the activities, justifiably.
"They chose" to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC said materials including lubricant, Vaseline and injection devices were found, and his family member notified the authorities about his suspicions.
She stated the defendant proceeded to conduct the "candy game" with six youngsters that night - July 26th - and they were all sick the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that stage," she added.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
The prosecutor stated the minors were struggling to walk due to their condition, so the stepson notified the law enforcement again.
She stated Ruben then played the "candy game" in a area of five minors.
