A person who spiked treats with sedative and distributed them to minors at a youth camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two young males aged nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight minors and a grown-up fell ill at Stathern Lodge in July.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
However, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was kept in jail prior to a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, outlined the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She said his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a summer program which he operated.
Ruben conducted a "treat game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel said, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and request they to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She told the court the man had played this game with the children "over an extended period", and minors had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She explained the defendant had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had suspicions in July 2025.
The legal representative added: "This year his family member had worries about the situation, for good reason.
"They resolved" to examine in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor stated items including infant oil, Vaseline and injection devices were found, and his stepson notified the police about his suspicions.
She explained the man proceeded to play the "candy game" with six children that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"The police had not responded by that time," she continued.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
The legal representative stated the minors were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson called the law enforcement again.
She said the defendant then engaged in the "sweet game" in a space of five minors.
