An individual who contaminated treats with tranquilliser and provided them to youngsters at a summer camp in the area has confessed to sexual offenses against two young males who were between nine and ten.
The accused was arrested after eight minors and a grown-up experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from that region, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
Yet, he disputed one particular crime he was accused of, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody before a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, detailed the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She said his those affected were under-privileged children who were staying at a youth camp which he ran.
Ruben engaged in a "candy game" with the children, the prosecutor said, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to consume candy "rapidly".
She told the court Ruben had played this game with the young males "over an extended period", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She explained the man had been able to explain this for many years as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had suspicions in July 2025.
The prosecutor stated further: "In the summer" his stepson had worries about the situation, for good reason.
"They resolved" to have a look in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel explained items including lubricant, petroleum jelly and medical needles were located, and his stepson alerted the authorities about his worries.
She explained the defendant proceeded to play the "sweet game" with six boys that night - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that point," she added.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was reviewing the police response of the events.
Mrs Prior said the children were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so the family member contacted the police once more.
She explained the defendant then conducted the "candy game" in a room of five minors.
