A person who contaminated treats with sleeping medication and gave them to minors at a youth camp in the region has confessed to sexual crimes against two young males who were nine and ten years old.
The accused was arrested after eight minors and an older person experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in July.
The elderly man, from that region, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Nevertheless, he disputed one particular crime he was facing, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was kept in jail before a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, handling the case, detailed Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She stated his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer camp which he ran.
The man engaged in a "treat game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel explained, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge Ruben had engaged in this activity with the young males "for many years", and minors had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She explained Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had suspicions in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "In the summer" his stepson had concerns about the activities, with valid cause.
"They decided to investigate in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC said objects including lubricant, petroleum jelly and injection devices were located, and his stepson notified the police about his suspicions.
She stated the man continued to engage in the "sweet game" with six children that evening - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"The police had not gone out by that stage," she added.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, had stated that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the incident.
The legal representative stated the minors were struggling to walk due to being ill, so the family member contacted the authorities once more.
She said the defendant then conducted the "treat game" in a area of five minors.
