An individual who laced candy with sleeping medication and gave them to children at a youth camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two boys aged nine and 10.
The accused was taken into custody after eight youngsters and one adult fell ill at the location in the summer month.
The senior citizen, 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 one particular crime he was charged with, which was concerning a young boy.
The defendant was kept in jail prior to a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, outlined Ruben's offending to the court.
She stated his victims were under-privileged children who were staying at a summer camp which he operated.
Ruben engaged in a "candy game" with the children, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and ask them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She told the court the man had conducted this practice with the children "repeatedly", and children had previously become sick the next day.
She explained the defendant had been able to explain this for many years as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had suspicions in summer 2025.
The legal representative continued: "In the summer" his stepson had concerns about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They decided to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor said items including lubricant, ointment and syringes were located, and his family member notified the police about his worries.
She said the defendant went on to play the "sweet game" with six boys that night - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that point," she stated further.
The oversight body, the investigative body, previously told that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
The prosecutor said the children were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so the family member notified the authorities once more.
She stated the man then played the "sweet game" in a space of five minors.
