An individual who laced candy with sleeping medication and gave them to children at a summer program in the region has confessed to sexual crimes against two young males who were nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight children and an older person experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from that region, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
Yet, he denied one particular crime he was charged with, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody ahead of a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, outlined the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She stated his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a summer program which he ran.
The defendant played a "candy game" with the minors, the legal counsel said, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and request they to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings the man had conducted this practice with the young males "over an extended period", and minors had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She explained the man had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had concerns in summer 2025.
The prosecutor added: "This year his stepson had concerns about the activities, justifiably.
"They chose" to examine in the individual's items."
The legal counsel stated objects including lubricant, Vaseline and syringes were located, and his stepchild contacted the police about his concerns.
She said Ruben continued to conduct the "treat game" with six boys that night - that Saturday - and they were all sick the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that stage," she stated further.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, had stated that it was reviewing the police response of the situation.
The prosecutor explained the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson notified the police again.
She said Ruben then played the "candy game" in a space of five children.
