An individual who spiked sweets with sedative and provided them to minors at a summer camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two boys aged nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight youngsters and one adult became sick at Stathern Lodge in July.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Nevertheless, he denied one particular crime he was charged with, which was against a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was held in detention before a further hearing on late November.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, outlined the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She said his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a summer camp which he operated.
Ruben played a "candy game" with the minors, the prosecutor explained, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge the defendant had engaged in this activity with the children "repeatedly", and minors had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She explained Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had suspicions in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "In the summer" his stepchild had suspicions about the activities, justifiably.
"They chose" to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel explained items including infant oil, ointment and medical needles were found, and his family member contacted the law enforcement about his worries.
She stated the defendant continued to engage in the "sweet game" with six children that evening - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Authorities" had not responded by that point," she added.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, previously told that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
The legal representative said the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson contacted the police again.
She explained Ruben then conducted the "sweet game" in a area of five minors.
