An individual who laced candy with tranquilliser and provided them to children at a youth camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two young males both nine and ten years old.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight youngsters and one adult became sick at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from that region, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at the courthouse on the end of the week.
Yet, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was against a young boy.
The accused was remanded in custody before a subsequent court date on late November.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, 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 operated.
The defendant conducted a "treat game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor said, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and request they to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge the man had played this game with the children "for many years", and children had previously become sick the next day.
She explained Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had suspicions in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "This year his family member had worries about the activities, justifiably.
"They decided to examine in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel said items including baby oil, ointment and injection devices were found, and his stepson alerted the authorities about his worries.
She explained the defendant went on to conduct the "treat game" with six boys that evening - July 26th - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that point," she continued.
The oversight body, the investigative body, had stated that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
The prosecutor stated the minors were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the stepson called the police again.
She explained Ruben then played the "sweet game" in a room of five minors.
