A person who spiked sweets with sleeping medication and gave them to youngsters at a youth camp in the region has admitted sexual crimes against two young males aged between nine and ten.
The accused was arrested after eight minors and one adult fell ill at the facility in July.
The senior citizen, from that region, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
However, he disputed a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
The accused was remanded in custody before a further hearing on 28 November.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, handling the case, detailed Ruben's offending to the court.
She said his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a summer program which he ran.
The defendant engaged in a "sweet game" with the minors, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and request they to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She told the court the defendant had engaged in this activity with the children "for many years", and youngsters had previously become sick the next day.
She stated the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had suspicions in summer 2025.
The prosecutor stated further: "This year his family member had concerns about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They chose" to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor stated items including infant oil, ointment and syringes were located, and his family member contacted the authorities about his worries.
She explained Ruben continued to play the "candy game" with six boys that night - July 26th - and they were all ill the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that point," she continued.
The oversight body, the investigative body, had stated that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
Mrs Prior stated the children were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the family member notified the authorities a second time.
She explained the man then conducted the "treat game" in a room of five children.
