An individual who spiked treats with sedative and distributed them to youngsters at a summer camp in the region has confessed to sexual offences against two boys who were between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight youngsters and a grown-up became sick at the facility in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from that region, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at the judicial center on recently.
Yet, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was kept in jail prior to a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, described the defendant's actions to the court.
She stated his targets were under-privileged children who were participating in a youth camp which he managed.
Ruben engaged in a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor said, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She told the court the defendant had played this game with the children "repeatedly", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She stated the man had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had suspicions in July 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "Recently" his stepson had worries about the activities, for good reason.
"They chose" to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel stated materials including infant oil, ointment and injection devices were located, and his stepchild notified the authorities about his suspicions.
She said Ruben went on to conduct the "sweet game" with six youngsters that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"The police had not gone out by that stage," she added.
The oversight body, the investigative body, previously told that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
Mrs Prior explained the children were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the stepson contacted the law enforcement once more.
She stated the man then played the "candy game" in a space of five youngsters.
