A man who contaminated treats with tranquilliser and provided them to minors at a youth camp in the area has admitted sexual offences against two boys who were nine and 10.
The accused was detained after eight minors and an older person fell ill at Stathern Lodge in July.
The senior citizen, from that region, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody prior to a subsequent court date on late November.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, described the criminal behavior to the court.
She stated his targets were under-privileged children who were attending a summer program which he managed.
The defendant conducted a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel said, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to consume candy "rapidly".
She told the court the man had conducted this practice with the boys "over an extended period", and youngsters had previously become sick the next day.
She stated the defendant had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had worries in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "In the summer" his stepson had suspicions about what was going on, for good reason.
"They decided to examine in the individual's items."
The prosecutor explained objects including lubricant, Vaseline and syringes were located, and his family member contacted the law enforcement about his concerns.
She explained Ruben continued to play the "sweet game" with six boys that night - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"The police had not gone out by that point," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
The legal representative said the minors were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so the stepson called the authorities again.
She stated Ruben then played the "treat game" in a room of five youngsters.
