A man who spiked candy with tranquilliser and distributed them to youngsters at a youth camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two children who were nine and ten years old.
The accused was taken into custody after eight youngsters and a grown-up became sick at the facility in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from that region, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
Yet, he denied one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was against a young boy.
The defendant was held in detention before a additional proceeding on late November.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, handling the case, described Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She stated his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a youth camp which he operated.
The defendant conducted a "candy game" with the minors, the prosecutor explained, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to ingest treats "rapidly".
She stated to the judge the defendant had engaged in this activity with the boys "for many years", and minors had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She explained the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had worries in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "This year his stepchild had suspicions about the activities, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to have a look in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor stated objects including infant oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were discovered, and his stepson contacted the authorities about his concerns.
She explained the man proceeded to play the "candy game" with six boys that night - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that time," she stated further.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the situation.
The legal representative stated the minors were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson called the authorities once more.
She stated Ruben then played the "treat game" in a space of five children.
