An individual who spiked treats with sedative and gave them to minors at a youth camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two young males aged nine and 10.
The defendant was arrested after eight youngsters and an older person experienced illness at the location in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from that region, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Nevertheless, he disputed one particular crime he was facing, which was concerning a young boy.
The accused was remanded in custody before a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, detailed the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She said his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a youth camp which he ran.
Ruben engaged in a "candy game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor said, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She told the court the defendant had engaged in this activity with the boys "for many years", and children had previously fallen ill the next day.
She stated the defendant had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had concerns in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "Recently" his stepson had concerns about the situation, for good reason.
"They chose" to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC stated materials including infant oil, ointment and injection devices were found, and his stepchild notified the police about his concerns.
She explained the defendant went on to conduct the "sweet game" with six children that night - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"The police had not responded by that point," she added.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was examining law enforcement's management of the events.
Mrs Prior explained the minors were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson called the police again.
She stated Ruben then played the "treat game" in a space of five minors.
