An individual who contaminated treats with sedative and distributed them to youngsters at a youth camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two boys who were between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight children and a grown-up experienced illness at the location in mid-summer.
The senior citizen, from that region, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
However, he denied a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was remanded in custody before a further hearing on late November.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, described Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She stated his targets were under-privileged children who were attending a summer camp which he managed.
The man conducted a "treat game" with the children, the prosecutor said, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to ingest treats "rapidly".
She stated to the judge the man had conducted this practice with the young males "for many years", and children had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She said the man had been able to explain this repeatedly as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had suspicions in July 2025.
The prosecutor added: "This year his stepchild had worries about the activities, with valid cause.
"They decided to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel explained items including baby oil, Vaseline and injection devices were discovered, and his family member alerted the police about his suspicions.
She stated the defendant went on to conduct the "candy game" with six boys that night - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"The police had not gone out by that point," she continued.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, previously told that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
The legal representative explained the minors were struggling to walk due to being ill, so the family member called the police a second time.
She explained the defendant then played the "sweet game" in a space of five youngsters.
