An individual who laced treats with sedative and gave them to children at a youth camp in the area has confessed to sexual offenses against two young males both nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight minors and a grown-up became sick at Stathern Lodge in July.
The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
However, he refused to admit one particular crime he was facing, which was against a young boy.
The accused was held in detention before a further hearing on November 28th.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, described Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She stated his targets were under-privileged children who were staying at a summer camp which he managed.
Ruben played a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor stated, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and ask them to ingest treats "rapidly".
She stated to the judge the man had engaged in this activity with the young males "over an extended period", and children had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She said Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had concerns in July 2025.
The prosecutor stated further: "This year his stepson had suspicions about the activities, justifiably.
"They decided to have a look in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC said items including baby oil, Vaseline and syringes were located, and his stepchild alerted the police about his suspicions.
She stated the defendant continued to engage in the "treat game" with six boys that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Authorities" had not responded by that stage," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, previously told that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
Mrs Prior said the children were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the family member called the police once more.
She explained Ruben then played the "candy game" in a space of five children.
