An individual who contaminated sweets with sleeping medication and distributed them to youngsters at a youth camp in the region has admitted sexual offenses against two young males aged nine and ten years old.
The defendant was arrested after eight minors and an older person experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in July.
The 76-year-old, from that region, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
However, he denied a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was held in detention ahead of a further hearing on late November.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, detailed Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She said his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a summer camp which he operated.
The defendant played a "sweet game" with the children, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She told the court the man had engaged in this activity with the young males "repeatedly", and children had previously become sick the next day.
She stated the man had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had concerns in July 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "Recently" his family member had suspicions about the activities, for good reason.
"They chose" to investigate in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor stated objects including lubricant, ointment and injection devices were located, and his stepchild notified the authorities about his suspicions.
She explained the defendant proceeded to play the "treat game" with six youngsters that evening - that Saturday - and they were all sick the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that point," she continued.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, had stated that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
The legal representative explained the children were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the family member called the law enforcement a second time.
She stated the defendant then played the "candy game" in a space of five children.
