A person who contaminated treats with sleeping medication and gave them to children at a summer camp in the region has admitted sexual offenses against two young males aged nine and ten years old.
The accused was arrested after eight children and one adult became sick at the facility in July.
The elderly man, from that region, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
Yet, he denied one particular crime he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody prior to a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, described Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She said his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a summer camp which he managed.
The defendant played a "candy game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and request they to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She told the court Ruben had played this game with the boys "for many years", and children had previously fallen ill the next day.
She stated the man had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had concerns in July 2025.
The prosecutor stated further: "Recently" his stepchild had suspicions about the situation, for good reason.
"They resolved" to investigate in the individual's items."
The legal counsel stated materials including baby oil, petroleum jelly and injection devices were found, and his stepson contacted the police about his concerns.
She stated the man continued to engage in the "candy game" with six youngsters that time - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"The police had not responded by that point," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was reviewing the police response of the events.
The legal representative said the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the stepson contacted the authorities again.
She said Ruben then played the "treat game" in a space of five children.
