An individual who laced sweets with sleeping medication and provided them to minors at a youth camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two young males who were between nine and ten.
The defendant was arrested after eight minors and a grown-up fell ill at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The elderly man, from that region, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
However, he disputed one particular crime he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was held in detention ahead of a additional proceeding on November 28th.
The prosecutor, prosecuting, detailed Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She explained his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a summer camp which he managed.
The man conducted a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel explained, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to consume candy "rapidly".
She stated to the judge the defendant had played this game with the boys "repeatedly", and children had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She explained the man had been able to explain this repeatedly as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had suspicions in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "Recently" his family member had concerns about the activities, for good reason.
"They decided to investigate in the individual's items."
The prosecutor explained materials including infant oil, Vaseline and medical needles were located, and his stepchild notified the authorities about his suspicions.
She stated the defendant continued to engage in the "treat game" with six children that night - that Saturday - and they were all ill the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that point," she added.
The oversight body, the investigative body, previously told that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
Mrs Prior explained the minors were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so the family member notified the law enforcement once more.
She stated Ruben then engaged in the "treat game" in a room of five youngsters.
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Rebecca Mullins
Rebecca Mullins
Rebecca Mullins
Rebecca Mullins