A man who contaminated treats with tranquilliser and distributed them to youngsters at a summer camp in the region has confessed to sexual crimes against two boys aged nine and 10.
The accused was arrested after eight minors and an older person fell ill at Stathern Lodge in July.
The 76-year-old, from that region, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at the judicial center on the end of the week.
However, he denied one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was kept in jail before a subsequent court date on late November.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, described Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She stated his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a youth camp which he operated.
The man conducted a "sweet game" with the minors, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to consume candy "rapidly".
She stated to the judge Ruben had played this game with the children "over an extended period", and minors had previously become sick the next day.
She said Ruben had been capable of justifying this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had concerns in summer 2025.
The legal representative continued: "In the summer" his stepson had concerns about the activities, justifiably.
"They resolved" to investigate in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC said objects including infant oil, ointment and syringes were found, and his stepson notified the police about his suspicions.
She said the man went on to engage in the "sweet game" with six boys that evening - that Saturday - and they were all sick the following morning.
"The police had not gone out by that stage," she continued.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
Mrs Prior explained the children were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so the stepson contacted the authorities once more.
She said the defendant then engaged in the "sweet game" in a space of five children.
