A person who spiked sweets with tranquilliser and distributed them to youngsters at a summer program in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two young males aged between nine and ten.
The defendant was detained after eight youngsters and an older person experienced illness at the location in the summer month.
The elderly man, from that region, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Nevertheless, he denied one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was against a young boy.
The defendant was held in detention ahead of a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, detailed Ruben's offending to the court.
She stated his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a youth camp which he ran.
The man engaged in a "candy game" with the children, the legal counsel explained, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and request they to ingest treats "rapidly".
She told the court the defendant had conducted this practice with the boys "for many years", and children had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She explained the man had been able to explain this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had worries in July 2025.
The legal representative added: "Recently" his stepson had worries about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel said materials including infant oil, petroleum jelly and syringes were discovered, and his family member notified the authorities about his suspicions.
She stated Ruben proceeded to conduct the "candy game" with six youngsters that night - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"The police had not gone out by that point," she added.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, previously told that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
Mrs Prior stated the minors were struggling to walk due to their condition, so the stepson notified the law enforcement again.
She said the defendant then conducted the "treat game" in a room of five youngsters.
