A person who spiked sweets with tranquilliser and provided them to children at a summer camp in the region has admitted sexual offenses against two children both nine and ten years old.
The accused was taken into custody after eight children and one adult became sick at Stathern Lodge in July.
The elderly man, from that region, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody prior to a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, outlined the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She explained his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a summer program which he operated.
The defendant conducted a "candy game" with the minors, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had conducted this practice with the children "repeatedly", and children had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She said the defendant had been able to explain this for many years as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had suspicions in summer 2025.
The legal representative added: "This year his stepson had worries about the activities, justifiably.
"They resolved" to have a look in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel explained objects including baby oil, petroleum jelly and syringes were discovered, and his stepson notified the law enforcement about his worries.
She said the defendant proceeded to conduct the "candy game" with six boys that evening - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that stage," she stated further.
The oversight body, the investigative body, had stated that it was investigating the police response of the events.
The prosecutor stated the children were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the family member notified the authorities once more.
She explained Ruben then conducted the "treat game" in a area of five youngsters.
