A person who contaminated candy with sleeping medication and provided them to youngsters at a youth camp in the region has confessed to sexual crimes against two children aged nine and 10.
The accused was taken into custody after eight minors and a grown-up fell ill at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from that region, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
However, he denied a single sexual charge he was facing, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was held in detention before a further hearing on November 28th.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, described the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She explained his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a summer camp which he operated.
Ruben played a "candy game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge Ruben had conducted this practice with the boys "over an extended period", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She explained Ruben had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had suspicions in July 2025.
The legal representative added: "Recently" his stepchild had suspicions about the activities, justifiably.
"They decided to examine in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor said materials including lubricant, ointment and syringes were located, and his stepchild notified the authorities about his suspicions.
She stated the defendant went on to play the "candy game" with six boys that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"The police had not responded by that stage," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
Mrs Prior stated the minors were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so the family member contacted the police once more.
She explained the man then played the "candy game" in a area of five youngsters.
