An individual who spiked treats with tranquilliser and provided them to youngsters at a summer camp in the region has confessed to sexual offenses against two young males who were nine and ten years old.
The defendant was arrested after eight minors and one adult became sick at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from that region, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
However, he denied one particular crime he was charged with, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was kept in jail prior to a further hearing on 28 November.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, described the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She explained his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a summer camp which he ran.
The man conducted a "candy game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel stated, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had played this game with the young males "over an extended period", and children had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She stated Ruben had been capable of justifying this repeatedly as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had concerns in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "Recently" his stepson had concerns about what was going on, for good reason.
"They decided to investigate in the individual's items."
The legal counsel said materials including infant oil, Vaseline and injection devices were discovered, and his family member contacted the authorities about his concerns.
She stated the defendant went on to conduct the "candy game" with six boys that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the next day.
"The police had not gone out by that time," she added.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, had stated that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
The legal representative explained the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson called the police a second time.
She explained the man then conducted the "candy game" in a area of five minors.
