An individual who contaminated sweets with sedative and distributed them to minors at a summer program in the region has admitted sexual offences against two boys aged nine and 10.
The defendant was detained after eight minors and an older person fell ill at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from that region, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
Yet, he refused to admit one particular crime he was accused of, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was kept in jail before a further hearing on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, handling the case, described the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She explained his targets were under-privileged children who were attending a youth camp which he operated.
Ruben played a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor explained, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to consume candy "rapidly".
She stated to the judge the man had conducted this practice with the young males "over an extended period", and minors had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She stated the defendant had been able to explain this for many years as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had suspicions in July 2025.
The legal representative added: "This year his stepchild had worries about the activities, with valid cause.
"They decided to investigate in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC said materials including lubricant, petroleum jelly and injection devices were discovered, and his family member contacted the police about his suspicions.
She explained the man went on to play the "candy game" with six children that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the next day.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that point," she continued.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, previously told that it was investigating the police response of the incident.
The prosecutor stated the minors were struggling to walk due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson contacted the police again.
She explained the defendant then engaged in the "candy game" in a room of five children.
