A person who contaminated treats with sleeping medication and provided them to youngsters at a youth camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two young males who were nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight minors and one adult experienced illness at the facility in July.
The 76-year-old, from that region, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at the judicial center on recently.
However, he disputed one particular crime he was facing, which was against a young boy.
The defendant was held in detention ahead of a further hearing on late November.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, described Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She stated his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer program which he ran.
Ruben engaged in a "candy game" with the children, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and request they to eat sweets "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had engaged in this activity with the children "repeatedly", and children had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She explained the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had concerns in summer 2025.
The prosecutor stated further: "In the summer" his family member had concerns about the situation, justifiably.
"They decided to examine in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC stated materials including lubricant, ointment and injection devices were located, and his family member contacted the authorities about his concerns.
She stated Ruben proceeded to play the "treat game" with six boys that evening - that Saturday - and they were all ill the following morning.
"The police had not gone out by that point," she added.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
The prosecutor explained the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the stepson called the police again.
She explained the man then conducted the "sweet game" in a area of five minors.