A person who contaminated treats with sedative and distributed them to children at a youth camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two young males who were between nine and ten.
The accused was arrested after eight minors and an older person fell ill at the facility in July.
The senior citizen, from that region, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Yet, he denied one particular crime he was accused of, which was concerning a young boy.
The accused was held in detention before a further hearing on November 28th.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, detailed the criminal behavior 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 engaged in a "candy game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would go into the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and request they to ingest treats "rapidly".
She stated to the judge the defendant had played this game with the young males "repeatedly", and minors had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She said the man had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had worries in July 2025.
The prosecutor added: "In the summer" his stepson had suspicions about what was going on, for good reason.
"They decided to investigate in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC said items including baby oil, ointment and syringes were located, and his stepson contacted the police about his suspicions.
She stated Ruben continued to engage in the "sweet game" with six youngsters that evening - July 26th - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"The police had not responded by that time," she continued.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was examining law enforcement's management of the events.
The legal representative explained the minors were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson called the authorities once more.
She stated Ruben then conducted the "sweet game" in a space of five children.
