A man who laced treats with sedative and gave them to minors at a summer camp in the area has admitted sexual crimes against two children both between nine and ten.
The accused was detained after eight children and a grown-up became sick at the facility in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from that region, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he disputed a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was against a young boy.
Ruben was held in detention before a further hearing on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, detailed Ruben's offending to the court.
She stated his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a summer program which he managed.
The defendant conducted a "candy game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor stated, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge Ruben had engaged in this activity with the boys "over an extended period", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She stated the man had been able to explain this for many years as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had worries in July 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "In the summer" his stepchild had concerns about what was going on, for good reason.
"They chose" to examine in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor explained materials including baby oil, ointment and medical needles were found, and his family member notified the authorities about his suspicions.
She said the man went on to conduct the "candy game" with six youngsters that evening - that Saturday - and they were all sick the following morning.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that stage," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the incident.
Mrs Prior explained the minors were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so the stepson notified the police again.
She stated the man then conducted the "candy game" in a room of five youngsters.
