An individual who contaminated treats with tranquilliser and distributed them to children at a youth camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two children aged nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight children and a grown-up became sick at Stathern Lodge in July.
The 76-year-old, from that region, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at the courthouse on recently.
Yet, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
The accused was remanded in custody ahead of a further hearing on November 28th.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, outlined the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She stated his targets were under-privileged children who were participating in a youth camp which he ran.
Ruben engaged in a "candy game" with the minors, the legal counsel stated, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings the man had engaged in this activity with the children "repeatedly", and minors had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She said the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had worries in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "Recently" his family member had concerns about what was going on, justifiably.
"They decided to examine in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel stated objects including lubricant, Vaseline and injection devices were discovered, and his family member alerted the authorities about his suspicions.
She explained the defendant continued to conduct the "candy game" with six children that night - that Saturday - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that point," she continued.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
Mrs Prior said the youngsters were struggling to walk due to being ill, so the family member notified the police again.
She said the man then conducted the "treat game" in a space of five minors.
