A person who spiked sweets with sedative and gave them to children at a summer program in the region has confessed to sexual crimes against two children who were nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight children and an older person experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from that region, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
Nevertheless, he denied one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was concerning a young boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody ahead of a additional proceeding on late November.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, handling the case, detailed Ruben's offending to the court.
She said his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a summer camp which he managed.
Ruben conducted a "treat game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel explained, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and request they to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She told the court Ruben had played this game with the young males "repeatedly", and minors had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She said the man had been capable of justifying this for many years as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had concerns in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "This year his stepchild had worries about the activities, for good reason.
"They resolved" to examine in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel explained items including infant oil, Vaseline and injection devices were discovered, and his stepson alerted the authorities about his suspicions.
She said the defendant continued to conduct the "sweet game" with six children that evening - that Saturday - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that stage," she added.
The oversight body, the investigative body, had stated that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
The legal representative explained the minors were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so the stepson called the police once more.
She said the man then played the "sweet game" in a room of five minors.
