An individual who spiked sweets with tranquilliser and gave them to minors at a summer camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two young males aged nine and ten years old.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight minors and an older person became sick at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The senior citizen, from that region, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at the courthouse on the end of the week.
However, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was remanded in custody before a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, outlined the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She stated his those affected were under-privileged children who were attending a summer program which he operated.
The man engaged in a "candy game" with the children, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the defendant had engaged in this activity with the boys "for many years", and minors had previously become sick the next day.
She said the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had suspicions in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "Recently" his family member had suspicions about the activities, justifiably.
"They decided to examine in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC explained objects including infant oil, ointment and medical needles were found, and his family member alerted the police about his suspicions.
She said the man went on to engage in the "candy game" with six youngsters that evening - that Saturday - and they were all ill the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that point," she added.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
The prosecutor stated the minors were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson contacted the authorities again.
She stated Ruben then played the "treat game" in a space of five children.
