A man who spiked candy with sleeping medication and provided them to youngsters at a summer camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two young males both nine and ten years old.
Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight children and a grown-up experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from that region, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Yet, he refused to admit one particular crime he was charged with, which was concerning a young boy.
The accused was kept in jail ahead of a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, detailed the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She explained his targets were under-privileged children who were staying at a summer program which he operated.
Ruben played a "candy game" with the minors, the legal counsel stated, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and tell them to consume candy "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had played this game with the children "for many years", and minors had previously become sick the following morning.
She stated the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had suspicions in recently.
Mrs Prior KC added: "In the summer" his stepson had concerns about the activities, for good reason.
"They decided to investigate in the individual's items."
The prosecutor said items including lubricant, Vaseline and medical needles were found, and his family member alerted the authorities about his suspicions.
She said Ruben went on to play the "candy game" with six boys that time - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"The police had not gone out by that time," she continued.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, previously told that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
The legal representative said the minors were struggling to walk due to their condition, so the family member contacted the authorities once more.
She stated the defendant then engaged in the "treat game" in a space of five minors.
