An individual who spiked candy with sedative and distributed them to youngsters at a youth camp in the region has confessed to sexual offences against two children aged nine and 10.
The defendant was detained after eight children and an older person experienced illness at the facility in July.
The senior citizen, from that region, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
Nevertheless, he disputed one particular crime he was facing, which was against a young boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody prior to a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, detailed the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She said his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a summer program which he managed.
The man played a "sweet game" with the minors, Mrs Prior said, in which he would go into the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and request they to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had played this game with the children "for many years", and minors had previously fallen ill the next day.
She explained Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had concerns in July 2025.
The legal representative added: "Recently" his stepchild had concerns about the activities, with valid cause.
"They decided to examine in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC stated materials including infant oil, Vaseline and medical needles were located, and his stepchild alerted the police about his suspicions.
She explained the man went on to play the "treat game" with six boys that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that point," she added.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was examining law enforcement's management of the events.
The legal representative said the children were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so the family member notified the authorities a second time.
She said the man then conducted the "candy game" in a area of five youngsters.
