A person who spiked treats with tranquilliser and distributed them to children at a summer camp in the area has confessed to sexual offenses against two children aged nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight children and an older person became sick at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from that region, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
However, he denied one particular crime he was facing, which was concerning a young boy.
Ruben was held in detention ahead of a further hearing on November 28th.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, outlined the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She stated his victims were under-privileged children who were attending a youth camp which he operated.
Ruben engaged in a "treat game" with the children, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to eat sweets "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had conducted this practice with the children "repeatedly", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She stated the defendant had been able to explain this for many years as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had concerns in July 2025.
The prosecutor added: "In the summer" his stepchild had suspicions about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to examine in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor said objects including lubricant, Vaseline and medical needles were located, and his family member contacted the authorities about his worries.
She said the man continued to engage in the "sweet game" with six boys that time - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that stage," she added.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was reviewing the police response of the incident.
The legal representative stated the minors were struggling to walk due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson called the law enforcement again.
She explained the defendant then engaged in the "sweet game" in a space of five minors.
