A man who spiked treats with sleeping medication and provided them to youngsters at a summer camp in the region has admitted sexual crimes against two boys who were between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight youngsters and an older person became sick at the location in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from that region, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at the judicial center on Friday.
However, he denied one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was remanded in custody before a further hearing on late November.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, detailed the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She explained his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer program which he ran.
The man conducted a "treat game" with the minors, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and request they to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had engaged in this activity with the children "over an extended period", and youngsters had previously become sick the following morning.
She explained the man had been capable of justifying this for many years as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had worries in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "In the summer" his stepchild had worries about the activities, for good reason.
"They resolved" to examine in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel explained objects including lubricant, Vaseline and injection devices were located, and his family member notified the police about his worries.
She said Ruben proceeded to engage in the "sweet game" with six youngsters that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the following morning.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that point," she continued.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
Mrs Prior stated the minors were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so the stepson called the police a second time.
She explained the man then engaged in the "sweet game" in a space of five children.
