A man who laced sweets with sleeping medication and distributed them to minors at a summer camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two boys who were between nine and ten.
The accused was arrested after eight minors and a grown-up became sick at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from that region, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was against a young boy.
Ruben was held in detention before a further hearing on November 28th.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, detailed the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She stated his those affected were under-privileged children who were attending a summer program which he operated.
The man engaged in a "candy game" with the minors, the prosecutor said, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She told the court the defendant had played this game with the young males "over an extended period", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She stated Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had suspicions in July 2025.
The prosecutor added: "Recently" his family member had suspicions about the activities, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to examine in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel stated items including infant oil, Vaseline and syringes were located, and his stepchild notified the police about his concerns.
She stated Ruben went on to conduct the "candy game" with six boys that time - July 26th - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that point," she continued.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
Mrs Prior explained the youngsters were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so the stepson contacted the law enforcement a second time.
She stated Ruben then played the "treat game" in a area of five minors.
