A person who laced candy with sedative and distributed them to youngsters at a youth camp in the area has confessed to sexual offenses against two boys who were nine and 10.
The defendant was detained after eight minors and a grown-up fell ill at the facility in July.
The senior citizen, from that region, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
However, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was remanded in custody prior to a additional proceeding on late November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, outlined the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She explained his those affected were under-privileged children who were staying at a summer camp which he operated.
The man conducted a "sweet game" with the minors, the prosecutor explained, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were settling down and request they to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had played this game with the children "repeatedly", and youngsters had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She explained Ruben had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had suspicions in July 2025.
The legal representative added: "This year his stepson had concerns about the situation, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC stated materials including baby oil, Vaseline and injection devices were found, and his family member notified the authorities about his concerns.
She stated the defendant went on to conduct the "sweet game" with six boys that night - July 26th - and they were all ill the following morning.
"The police had not gone out by that point," she continued.
The oversight body, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
The legal representative stated the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so the family member notified the authorities again.
She stated the defendant then conducted the "candy game" in a space of five youngsters.
