A man who spiked treats with sedative and gave them to children at a summer camp in the area has confessed to sexual crimes against two children both nine and 10.
The defendant was arrested after eight minors and an older person experienced illness at the facility in July.
The 76-year-old, from that region, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
Nevertheless, he denied one particular crime he was accused of, which was against a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was remanded in custody prior to a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, described the defendant's actions to the court.
She said his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a youth camp which he managed.
Ruben conducted a "treat game" with the children, the legal counsel stated, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and request they to eat sweets "rapidly".
She stated to the judge Ruben had engaged in this activity with the young males "over an extended period", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She stated the man had been capable of justifying this repeatedly as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had worries in July 2025.
The prosecutor added: "Recently" his stepchild had concerns about the situation, justifiably.
"They decided to have a look in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel stated materials including lubricant, ointment and injection devices were found, and his stepchild notified the authorities about his suspicions.
She stated the man proceeded to play the "treat game" with six children that night - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"The police had not gone out by that time," she continued.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the situation.
The prosecutor said the minors were struggling to walk due to their condition, so the stepson notified the authorities a second time.
She explained the defendant then played the "treat game" in a area of five children.
