A person who spiked candy with tranquilliser and gave them to youngsters at a summer program in the area has admitted sexual offences against two boys who were between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight youngsters and one adult fell ill at Stathern Lodge in July.
The elderly man, from that region, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at the judicial center on Friday.
However, he denied a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was against a young boy.
The defendant was kept in jail ahead of a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, outlined the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She said his victims were under-privileged children who were participating in a summer program which he operated.
Ruben engaged in a "sweet game" with the minors, the prosecutor said, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the defendant had engaged in this activity with the young males "for many years", and minors had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She stated the defendant had been capable of justifying this for many years as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had suspicions in July 2025.
The prosecutor added: "Recently" his stepchild had suspicions about what was going on, for good reason.
"They decided to have a look in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC said materials including baby oil, ointment and syringes were located, and his stepson contacted the law enforcement about his concerns.
She explained the defendant proceeded to engage in the "treat game" with six youngsters that time - July 26th - and they were all ill the next day.
"The police had not responded by that point," she added.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
Mrs Prior said the children were struggling to walk due to their condition, so the stepson contacted the law enforcement again.
She said the defendant then played the "treat game" in a space of five minors.
