A person who laced candy with tranquilliser and distributed them to minors at a youth camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two young males aged nine and ten years old.
Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight minors and one adult fell ill at Stathern Lodge in July.
The senior citizen, from that region, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he stood at the judicial center on Friday.
Yet, he refused to admit one particular crime he was accused of, which was concerning a young boy.
The defendant was held in detention ahead of a additional proceeding on late November.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, described Ruben's offending to the court.
She stated his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a youth camp which he operated.
Ruben engaged in a "treat game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor said, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were settling down and request they to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had played this game with the boys "repeatedly", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She said the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had concerns in summer 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "In the summer" his stepchild had suspicions about the activities, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to have a look in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor said items including lubricant, ointment and medical needles were found, and his stepson alerted the police about his worries.
She explained Ruben went on to conduct the "candy game" with six children that evening - July 26th - and they were all ill the next day.
"The police had not responded by that time," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
The prosecutor explained the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so the family member contacted the authorities again.
She said Ruben then engaged in the "sweet game" in a space of five minors.
