A man who spiked candy with sleeping medication and gave them to children at a summer camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two young males who were nine and 10.
The defendant was arrested after eight children and a grown-up became sick at Stathern Lodge in July.
The 76-year-old, from that region, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
However, he disputed one particular crime he was accused of, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was kept in jail before a further hearing on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, detailed the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She said his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a summer camp which he ran.
The defendant played a "sweet game" with the children, the legal counsel stated, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She told the court the man had played this game with the boys "for many years", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the next day.
She explained the man had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had suspicions in July 2025.
The legal representative added: "This year his stepchild had suspicions about the situation, for good reason.
"They chose" to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel explained items including lubricant, ointment and medical needles were found, and his stepchild contacted the police about his concerns.
She explained Ruben continued to conduct the "candy game" with six children that night - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that stage," she added.
The oversight body, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the incident.
The prosecutor explained the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so the family member contacted the law enforcement a second time.
She stated the defendant then conducted the "sweet game" in a area of five minors.
