A man who spiked sweets with sedative and provided them to youngsters at a summer camp in the area has admitted sexual offences against two boys who were nine and 10.
The defendant was arrested after eight youngsters and an older person became sick at Stathern Lodge in July.
The elderly man, from that region, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he stood at the courthouse on the end of the week.
Yet, he refused to admit one particular crime he was accused of, which was concerning a young boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody before a further hearing on November 28th.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, outlined the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She said his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer program which he ran.
The man conducted a "treat game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had engaged in this activity with the young males "over an extended period", and minors had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She explained Ruben had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had suspicions in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "This year his family member had concerns about the activities, justifiably.
"They chose" to have a look in the individual's items."
The prosecutor said objects including lubricant, petroleum jelly and injection devices were discovered, and his stepson contacted the authorities about his worries.
She said the defendant proceeded to play the "sweet game" with six boys that night - July 26th - and they were all ill the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that point," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
The legal representative explained the youngsters were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson notified the authorities again.
She explained the man then played the "sweet game" in a space of five children.
