An individual who contaminated candy with sleeping medication and distributed them to children at a summer program in the area has admitted sexual offences against two young males who were between nine and ten.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight minors and one adult fell ill at the facility in mid-summer.
The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Nevertheless, he disputed a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was against a young boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody prior to a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, detailed the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She stated his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a youth camp which he ran.
The man engaged in a "treat game" with the children, the prosecutor explained, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and tell them to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge the man had engaged in this activity with the boys "repeatedly", and minors had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She explained the man had been able to explain this over a long period as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had worries in summer 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "In the summer" his stepson had concerns about the situation, justifiably.
"They resolved" to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC stated items including infant oil, Vaseline and syringes were found, and his stepson contacted the police about his suspicions.
She explained Ruben went on to engage in the "treat game" with six boys that time - that Saturday - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that point," she stated further.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
The legal representative said the minors were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the stepson notified the authorities once more.
She stated the defendant then conducted the "candy game" in a room of five youngsters.
