A man who laced sweets with sleeping medication and distributed them to youngsters at a youth camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two children who were nine and 10.
The accused was arrested after eight children and an older person became sick at the facility in the summer month.
The elderly man, from that region, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
However, he denied one particular crime he was facing, which was involving a young boy.
The defendant was kept in jail ahead of a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, described the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She explained his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a youth camp which he ran.
The defendant engaged in a "treat game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to consume candy "rapidly".
She stated to the judge the man had engaged in this activity with the boys "for many years", and minors had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She said the man had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had suspicions in summer 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "This year his family member had concerns about the activities, with valid cause.
"They decided to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel explained items including infant oil, Vaseline and syringes were discovered, and his stepson alerted the authorities about his suspicions.
She stated the defendant proceeded to engage in the "candy game" with six boys that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that time," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was reviewing the police response of the incident.
The prosecutor said the minors were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson notified the police again.
She explained the man then played the "treat game" in a room of five youngsters.
