A man who spiked candy with tranquilliser and provided them to youngsters at a summer camp in the area has admitted sexual crimes against two young males both nine and 10.
The defendant was detained after eight children and one adult fell ill at Stathern Lodge in July.
The 76-year-old, from that region, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
However, he denied one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was concerning a young boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody ahead of a additional proceeding on late November.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, detailed Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She stated his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer program which he managed.
The man played a "treat game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel stated, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and ask them to eat sweets "rapidly".
She stated to the judge Ruben had conducted this practice with the boys "repeatedly", and minors had previously become sick the following morning.
She explained the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had concerns in summer 2025.
The legal representative continued: "In the summer" his stepson had suspicions about what was going on, justifiably.
"They decided to investigate in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor stated objects including lubricant, Vaseline and injection devices were located, and his stepchild contacted the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She stated the defendant continued to conduct the "candy game" with six boys that time - July 26th - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that stage," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, had stated that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the events.
The prosecutor stated the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the stepson called the authorities a second time.
She stated Ruben then played the "candy game" in a area of five minors.
