An individual who laced treats with tranquilliser and provided them to minors at a summer program in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two boys who were nine and ten years old.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight children and one adult experienced illness at the location in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from that region, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was against a young boy.
Ruben was held in detention ahead of a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, described the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She explained his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a youth camp which he managed.
Ruben conducted a "sweet game" with the minors, the legal counsel stated, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and request they to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the man had engaged in this activity with the young males "over an extended period", and minors had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She stated the defendant had been able to explain this over a long period as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had suspicions in July 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "This year his family member had worries about the situation, for good reason.
"They decided to have a look in the individual's items."
The prosecutor explained items including lubricant, Vaseline and syringes were discovered, and his stepson contacted the police about his worries.
She explained the defendant went on to engage in the "candy game" with six children that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"The police had not responded by that time," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, previously told that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the situation.
The prosecutor explained the youngsters were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so the family member contacted the police again.
She said Ruben then conducted the "treat game" in a room of five minors.
