A man who laced candy with tranquilliser and gave them to youngsters at a youth camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two young males aged between nine and ten.
The defendant was arrested after eight minors and an older person fell ill at the facility in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from that region, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was facing, which was against a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was kept in jail ahead of a additional proceeding on late November.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, detailed Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She stated his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a youth camp which he operated.
The man conducted a "candy game" with the children, the legal counsel stated, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings the man had engaged in this activity with the boys "for many years", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She said the defendant had been capable of justifying this for many years as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had worries in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "This year his family member had concerns about what was going on, justifiably.
"They resolved" to examine in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC explained materials including infant oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were located, and his family member contacted the police about his suspicions.
She stated the man continued to play the "sweet game" with six boys that night - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"The police had not responded by that point," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
The legal representative said the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so the family member notified the authorities once more.
She stated Ruben then played the "treat game" in a space of five youngsters.
