An individual who laced candy with sedative and provided them to youngsters at a summer camp in the region has admitted sexual offenses against two boys aged between nine and ten.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight youngsters and one adult experienced illness at the facility in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from that region, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
However, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody before a subsequent court date on late November.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, described Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She said his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a youth camp which he ran.
The defendant conducted a "sweet game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior said, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She told the court Ruben had conducted this practice with the young males "over an extended period", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She stated the man had been capable of justifying this repeatedly as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had suspicions in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "Recently" his stepchild had worries about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They decided to examine in the individual's items."
The legal counsel stated objects including baby oil, petroleum jelly and syringes were located, and his family member contacted the police about his concerns.
She said the man proceeded to play the "sweet game" with six youngsters that evening - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that time," she continued.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was examining the police response of the incident.
Mrs Prior stated the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson notified the law enforcement a second time.
She said the defendant then played the "sweet game" in a space of five minors.
