A man who contaminated candy with tranquilliser and provided them to youngsters at a youth camp in the area has admitted sexual offences against two young males both nine and ten years old.
The accused was taken into custody after eight youngsters and a grown-up fell ill at the location in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from that region, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he was present at the judicial center on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he disputed a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was against a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was held in detention prior to a further hearing on late November.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, outlined the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She explained his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a youth camp which he ran.
The man conducted a "treat game" with the minors, the prosecutor explained, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge the defendant had played this game with the children "for many years", and children had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She stated the defendant had been able to explain this over a long period as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had suspicions in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "This year his stepson had concerns about the situation, with valid cause.
"They decided to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC explained objects including infant oil, Vaseline and medical needles were discovered, and his stepson alerted the authorities about his concerns.
She explained the man proceeded to play the "sweet game" with six children that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that point," she continued.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, had stated that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
The prosecutor said the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson notified the law enforcement once more.
She explained Ruben then played the "sweet game" in a area of five children.
