An individual who contaminated treats with sedative and distributed them to children at a summer program in the area has admitted sexual offenses against two children who were nine and ten years old.
The defendant was detained after eight youngsters and an older person became sick at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from that region, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
Yet, he disputed one particular crime he was accused of, which was against a young boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody ahead of a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, detailed the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She explained his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a summer camp which he ran.
Ruben played a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor said, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to ingest treats "rapidly".
She told the court the defendant had engaged in this activity with the young males "over an extended period", and youngsters had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She said the man had been able to explain this repeatedly as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had suspicions in July 2025.
The legal representative continued: "This year his stepson had concerns about the situation, justifiably.
"They chose" to have a look in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor stated materials including infant oil, ointment and syringes were located, and his stepson notified the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She said the defendant went on to play the "treat game" with six children that evening - that Saturday - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that point," she continued.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was examining the police response of the events.
The legal representative explained the minors were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so the family member contacted the law enforcement again.
She stated the man then played the "candy game" in a space of five children.
