A man who spiked treats with tranquilliser and distributed them to youngsters at a summer camp in the region has admitted sexual offences against two boys aged nine and 10.
The defendant was arrested after eight youngsters and one adult experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in July.
The senior citizen, from that region, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he denied one particular crime he was accused of, which was involving a young boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody ahead of a additional proceeding on late November.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, outlined Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She said his victims were under-privileged children who were attending a youth camp which he managed.
The defendant conducted a "candy game" with the minors, the legal counsel explained, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to consume candy "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had conducted this practice with the boys "for many years", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She explained Ruben had been able to explain this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had worries in summer 2025.
The prosecutor stated further: "In the summer" his stepson had worries about what was going on, justifiably.
"They decided to investigate in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC said items including lubricant, Vaseline and medical needles were found, and his stepchild contacted the police about his concerns.
She explained Ruben proceeded to play the "treat game" with six boys that night - July 26th - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that time," she added.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, had stated that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
Mrs Prior explained the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson called the authorities again.
She said the defendant then conducted the "sweet game" in a room of five children.
