A person who spiked sweets with tranquilliser and distributed them to minors at a summer program in the area has confessed to sexual crimes against two children aged nine and ten years old.
The accused was arrested after eight minors and an older person experienced illness at the location in mid-summer.
The senior citizen, from that region, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
However, he denied a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was remanded in custody before a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, outlined the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She explained his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a youth camp which he managed.
The defendant engaged in a "candy game" with the children, the prosecutor explained, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and request they to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She told the court the man had engaged in this activity with the young males "repeatedly", and minors had previously become sick the next day.
She said the man had been able to explain this for many years as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had suspicions in summer 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "This year his stepson had concerns about what was going on, for good reason.
"They chose" to examine in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC stated items including baby oil, Vaseline and injection devices were located, and his stepchild notified the law enforcement about his worries.
She said Ruben went on to play the "candy game" with six youngsters that night - that Saturday - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that point," she stated further.
The oversight body, the investigative body, had stated that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the events.
The legal representative stated the minors were struggling to walk due to their condition, so the stepson contacted the law enforcement once more.
She said the man then conducted the "sweet game" in a area of five children.
