An individual who laced candy with tranquilliser and gave them to children at a summer program in the region has admitted sexual offences against two children who were between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight minors and one adult fell ill at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The elderly man, from that region, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at the courthouse on recently.
However, he refused to admit one particular crime he was charged with, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was remanded in custody prior to a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, detailed the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She said his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a summer program which he managed.
The man engaged in a "treat game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel explained, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge the defendant had engaged in this activity with the boys "over an extended period", and children had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She said the defendant had been able to explain this over a long period as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had concerns in summer 2025.
The prosecutor stated further: "In the summer" his family member had worries about the situation, justifiably.
"They resolved" to have a look in the individual's items."
The legal counsel stated materials including baby oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were found, and his stepson notified the police about his worries.
She explained the man proceeded to play the "treat game" with six boys that time - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that point," she added.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
The legal representative explained the minors were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so the family member contacted the authorities a second time.
She stated the man then conducted the "sweet game" in a space of five minors.
