A person who spiked sweets with sleeping medication and provided them to youngsters at a summer camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two boys aged nine and ten years old.
The defendant was arrested after eight children and an older person became sick at the location in July.
The 76-year-old, from that region, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was held in detention ahead of a further hearing on 28 November.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, described the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She explained his victims were under-privileged children who were participating in a summer program which he managed.
Ruben played a "treat game" with the minors, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and request they to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings the man had played this game with the boys "over an extended period", and children had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She explained the defendant had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had worries in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "This year his stepchild had suspicions about the activities, for good reason.
"They decided to examine in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel stated items including baby oil, ointment and injection devices were found, and his stepchild notified the police about his suspicions.
She said the defendant proceeded to engage in the "candy game" with six youngsters that time - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"The police had not arrived by that point," she added.
The oversight body, the investigative body, previously told that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the incident.
The prosecutor explained the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so the family member notified the police again.
She explained Ruben then engaged in the "treat game" in a space of five children.
