An individual who spiked treats with sleeping medication and distributed them to youngsters at a summer program in the area has confessed to sexual offences against two boys aged nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight children and a grown-up fell ill at the location in July.
The elderly man, from that region, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
Yet, he disputed a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was involving a young boy.
The defendant was held in detention prior to a further hearing on late November.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, described the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She explained his targets were under-privileged children who were participating in a summer camp which he managed.
Ruben played a "candy game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel explained, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and tell them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She told the court Ruben had conducted this practice with the boys "for many years", and minors had previously become sick the following morning.
She explained the man had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had suspicions in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "In the summer" his family member had concerns about the activities, justifiably.
"They decided to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor said materials including baby oil, Vaseline and medical needles were discovered, and his family member notified the police about his suspicions.
She stated the defendant proceeded to engage in the "treat game" with six youngsters that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that time," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
Mrs Prior said the children were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the family member called the law enforcement once more.
She stated Ruben then engaged in the "sweet game" in a area of five youngsters.
