A person who laced treats with sleeping medication and gave them to children at a summer camp in the area has confessed to sexual offences against two boys both nine and ten years old.
The accused was arrested after eight minors and one adult became sick at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from that region, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at the judicial center on recently.
Yet, he refused to admit one particular crime he was accused of, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was remanded in custody before a subsequent court date on late November.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, described Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She said his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a youth camp which he operated.
Ruben engaged in a "candy game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge the defendant had played this game with the young males "repeatedly", and youngsters had previously become sick the following morning.
She stated the man had been capable of justifying this repeatedly as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had suspicions in July 2025.
The prosecutor added: "This year his stepson had worries about the activities, for good reason.
"They resolved" to examine in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor explained materials including baby oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were discovered, and his stepson notified the authorities about his suspicions.
She stated the defendant went on to play the "sweet game" with six boys that night - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that time," she continued.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
The legal representative stated the youngsters were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so the family member contacted the police again.
She explained Ruben then played the "treat game" in a space of five children.
