An individual who contaminated sweets with sleeping medication and distributed them to youngsters at a youth camp in the area has confessed to sexual offences against two boys both nine and 10.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight minors and one adult fell ill at the facility in mid-summer.
The senior citizen, from that region, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was facing, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was held in detention prior to a subsequent court date on late November.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, detailed the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She stated his those affected were under-privileged children who were staying at a youth camp which he operated.
The defendant engaged in a "candy game" with the minors, the prosecutor explained, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and request they to ingest treats "rapidly".
She stated to the judge Ruben had engaged in this activity with the children "repeatedly", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She said the defendant had been able to explain this for many years as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had concerns in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "This year his stepson had concerns about the activities, for good reason.
"They decided to investigate in the individual's items."
The legal counsel said objects including infant oil, ointment and syringes were located, and his family member notified the law enforcement about his worries.
She stated the defendant went on to conduct the "candy game" with six youngsters that time - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"The police had not arrived by that point," she stated further.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, had stated that it was examining the police response of the situation.
The legal representative stated the children were struggling to walk due to being ill, so the stepson contacted the law enforcement again.
She explained Ruben then engaged in the "treat game" in a area of five children.
