A man who spiked candy with tranquilliser and distributed them to youngsters at a summer program in the region has confessed to sexual crimes against two boys aged nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight minors and an older person fell ill at Stathern Lodge in July.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
Yet, he denied a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was remanded in custody before a subsequent court date on late November.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, outlined the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She explained his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a youth camp which he managed.
Ruben conducted a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor said, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She told the court the man had conducted this practice with the boys "for many years", and children had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She stated the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had concerns in recently.
The prosecutor stated further: "In the summer" his stepchild had suspicions about the activities, for good reason.
"They chose" to have a look in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor said materials including lubricant, petroleum jelly and medical needles were discovered, and his family member notified the law enforcement about his worries.
She said the defendant proceeded to engage in the "sweet game" with six children that evening - that Saturday - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that point," she continued.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
The legal representative explained the children were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the family member contacted the authorities again.
She explained the man then engaged in the "sweet game" in a area of five youngsters.
