A person who spiked treats with sleeping medication and gave them to children at a summer program in the area has confessed to sexual crimes against two boys aged nine and ten years old.
The defendant was detained after eight minors and a grown-up became sick at the location in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from that region, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
However, he refused to admit one particular crime he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was held in detention prior to a additional proceeding on late November.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, detailed the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She said his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a youth camp which he operated.
The man played a "candy game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel said, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to ingest treats "rapidly".
She told the court Ruben had engaged in this activity with the young males "for many years", and minors had previously become sick the following morning.
She stated the man had been able to explain this repeatedly as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had worries in summer 2025.
The prosecutor stated further: "Recently" his stepchild had concerns about the activities, justifiably.
"They decided to have a look in the individual's items."
The legal counsel said items including infant oil, ointment and injection devices were found, and his family member notified the law enforcement about his concerns.
She explained the defendant went on to conduct the "candy game" with six children that evening - July 26th - and they were all sick the following morning.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that stage," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was reviewing the police response of the situation.
Mrs Prior said the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the family member notified the law enforcement a second time.
She explained the defendant then played the "treat game" in a room of five minors.
