A man who spiked sweets with sedative and distributed them to youngsters at a youth camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two boys both nine and ten years old.
The accused was taken into custody after eight children and one adult fell ill at the location in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from that region, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at the courthouse on recently.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was kept in jail prior to a further hearing on late November.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, described the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She explained his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a summer camp which he managed.
The man conducted a "treat game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel said, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and request they to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the man had engaged in this activity with the young males "over an extended period", and minors had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She said the man had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had concerns in July 2025.
The prosecutor stated further: "In the summer" his stepchild had concerns about the situation, for good reason.
"They resolved" to have a look in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC explained materials including baby oil, ointment and medical needles were located, and his stepson contacted the police about his worries.
She explained Ruben went on to engage in the "treat game" with six youngsters that night - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"The police had not arrived by that stage," she continued.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, had stated that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
The legal representative stated the minors were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson called the authorities a second time.
She stated the man then played the "candy game" in a space of five youngsters.
