A person who laced candy with sedative and distributed them to children at a summer program in the region has confessed to sexual offences against two young males aged nine and 10.
The defendant was detained after eight minors and an older person experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in July.
The elderly man, from that region, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
Yet, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody before a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, outlined Ruben's offending to the court.
She stated his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer program which he managed.
Ruben played a "candy game" with the children, the prosecutor explained, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to consume candy "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings the man had conducted this practice with the young males "over an extended period", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She said the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had worries in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "This year his stepchild had concerns about what was going on, for good reason.
"They chose" to investigate in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC explained items including baby oil, Vaseline and syringes were discovered, and his stepchild contacted the police about his concerns.
She explained the man went on to conduct the "treat game" with six boys that evening - July 26th - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that point," she added.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, had stated that it was examining law enforcement's management of the incident.
The legal representative stated the children were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson notified the authorities once more.
She said Ruben then played the "sweet game" in a room of five minors.
