A man who contaminated candy with tranquilliser and distributed them to youngsters at a summer program in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two children aged between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight minors and an older person experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The elderly man, from that region, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
Yet, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was against a nine-year-old child.
The accused was remanded in custody prior to a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, outlined Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She stated his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a youth camp which he ran.
Ruben conducted a "sweet game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior said, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings the man had engaged in this activity with the boys "repeatedly", and children had previously become sick the next day.
She stated Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had concerns in recently.
The prosecutor added: "In the summer" his stepchild had worries about the situation, for good reason.
"They resolved" to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor said materials including baby oil, Vaseline and medical needles were found, and his family member contacted the law enforcement about his worries.
She said the defendant continued to conduct the "treat game" with six children that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that point," she stated further.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, had stated that it was reviewing the police response of the situation.
The legal representative explained the minors were struggling to walk due to their condition, so the family member notified the authorities again.
She explained Ruben then engaged in the "candy game" in a room of five minors.
