A man who contaminated treats with sleeping medication and provided them to children at a summer camp in the area has admitted sexual offenses against two young males aged nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight youngsters and an older person became sick at the location in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from that region, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was remanded in custody ahead of a further hearing on 28 November.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, outlined Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She explained his targets were under-privileged children who were attending a youth camp which he managed.
The defendant played a "candy game" with the minors, the prosecutor stated, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and request they to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She told the court the defendant had engaged in this activity with the young males "for many years", and children had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She explained the defendant had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had suspicions in summer 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "In the summer" his stepson had suspicions about what was going on, for good reason.
"They chose" to investigate in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC said materials including infant oil, ointment and medical needles were found, and his family member alerted the law enforcement about his concerns.
She said Ruben continued to conduct the "candy game" with six children that time - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"The police had not gone out by that stage," she added.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, previously told that it was investigating the police response of the situation.
The prosecutor said the youngsters were struggling to walk due to being ill, so the stepson called the police a second time.
She explained Ruben then played the "treat game" in a space of five children.