An individual who spiked candy with sedative and distributed them to youngsters at a summer program in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two boys who were nine and ten years old.
The accused was detained after eight children and an older person experienced illness at the facility in July.
The elderly man, from that region, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
Yet, he disputed a single sexual charge he was facing, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody prior to a further hearing on late November.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, detailed Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She explained his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a summer camp which he ran.
The defendant played a "sweet game" with the children, the prosecutor stated, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and ask them to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge Ruben had played this game with the young males "for many years", and children had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She stated the defendant had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had worries in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "Recently" his stepson had suspicions about the situation, with valid cause.
"They decided to have a look in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel said objects including baby oil, petroleum jelly and injection devices were located, and his stepchild alerted the law enforcement about his concerns.
She explained the defendant proceeded to play the "treat game" with six youngsters that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that point," she added.
The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
Mrs Prior explained the youngsters were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so the family member contacted the law enforcement once more.
She stated the defendant then engaged in the "treat game" in a area of five minors.
