An individual who laced candy with sedative and gave them to minors at a summer camp in the region has confessed to sexual crimes against two young males aged nine and 10.
The defendant was arrested after eight minors and one adult fell ill at Stathern Lodge in July.
The elderly man, from that region, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at the judicial center on recently.
Nevertheless, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was against a nine-year-old child.
The accused was held in detention prior to a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, outlined the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She said his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer camp which he ran.
The man played a "treat game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel said, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings the man had played this game with the children "repeatedly", and children had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She stated the man had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had worries in July 2025.
The prosecutor added: "In the summer" his stepson had worries about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They decided to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel stated items including infant oil, ointment and injection devices were found, and his family member notified the authorities about his worries.
She stated Ruben proceeded to play the "candy game" with six youngsters that evening - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that stage," she continued.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
The prosecutor stated the minors were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so the family member called the law enforcement a second time.
She explained the defendant then engaged in the "sweet game" in a space of five minors.
