An individual who contaminated treats with tranquilliser and distributed them to minors at a summer camp in the region has confessed to sexual offences against two children both between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight youngsters and a grown-up experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in July.
The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at the courthouse on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he disputed one particular crime he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was remanded in custody ahead of a further hearing on late November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, detailed the defendant's actions to the court.
She explained his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a youth camp which he ran.
The man played a "sweet game" with the minors, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and tell them to consume candy "rapidly".
She stated to the judge the man had engaged in this activity with the boys "for many years", and minors had previously become sick the following morning.
She stated the man had been capable of justifying this for many years as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had worries in summer 2025.
The legal representative added: "This year his family member had concerns about the activities, for good reason.
"They decided to have a look in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel said materials including lubricant, Vaseline and syringes were found, and his family member contacted the authorities about his suspicions.
She said the defendant continued to play the "sweet game" with six boys that night - that Saturday - and they were all sick the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that point," she added.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
The legal representative said the children were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the stepson contacted the authorities a second time.
She said the defendant then conducted the "candy game" in a area of five minors.
