A man who contaminated sweets with sedative and provided them to children at a summer camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two children aged nine and 10.
The accused was taken into custody after eight minors and a grown-up experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The elderly man, from that region, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
However, he refused to admit one particular crime he was accused of, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was held in detention prior to a subsequent court date on late November.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, detailed Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She stated his those affected were under-privileged children who were participating in a summer program which he managed.
Ruben played a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor stated, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and ask them to consume candy "rapidly".
She told the court Ruben had engaged in this activity with the children "for many years", and children had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She explained the man had been able to explain this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had suspicions in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "This year his family member had concerns about the activities, with valid cause.
"They chose" to investigate in the individual's items."
The prosecutor said materials including infant oil, petroleum jelly and injection devices were located, and his stepchild alerted the authorities about his concerns.
She stated the man went on to engage in the "treat game" with six boys that evening - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"The police had not arrived by that point," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was investigating the police response of the situation.
Mrs Prior explained the children were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson notified the authorities again.
She said the man then engaged in the "treat game" in a area of five youngsters.
