A person who laced candy with tranquilliser and provided them to youngsters at a youth camp in the area has confessed to sexual offenses against two boys aged nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight youngsters and a grown-up experienced illness at the location in July.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
Yet, he denied one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was remanded in custody ahead of a further hearing on late November.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, described the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She explained his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a youth camp which he managed.
The man engaged in a "candy game" with the minors, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to eat sweets "rapidly".
She told the court Ruben had engaged in this activity with the children "repeatedly", and minors had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She said the defendant had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had concerns in July 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "This year his family member had suspicions about the activities, for good reason.
"They resolved" to investigate in the individual's items."
The prosecutor stated materials including infant oil, ointment and syringes were found, and his stepchild contacted the authorities about his concerns.
She said Ruben continued to play the "sweet game" with six boys that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the next day.
"The police had not responded by that time," she continued.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
The legal representative stated the minors were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson contacted the authorities once more.
She stated the man then engaged in the "candy game" in a space of five youngsters.
