A person who spiked treats with sleeping medication and gave them to youngsters at a youth camp in the area has admitted sexual offenses against two young males aged between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight children and one adult experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in July.
The 76-year-old, from that region, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at the courthouse on the end of the week.
However, he denied one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was involving a young boy.
The accused was held in detention prior to a further hearing on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, detailed the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She said his victims were under-privileged children who were participating in a youth camp which he ran.
Ruben conducted a "sweet game" with the children, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the defendant had engaged in this activity with the young males "over an extended period", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She said the man had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had worries in July 2025.
The prosecutor added: "Recently" his stepson had suspicions about the situation, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to examine in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC stated materials including lubricant, ointment and injection devices were located, and his family member alerted the law enforcement about his concerns.
She stated Ruben continued to conduct the "sweet game" with six children that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that stage," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
The legal representative said the minors were struggling to walk due to their condition, so the family member called the police again.
She said the man then conducted the "treat game" in a space of five youngsters.
