A man who spiked treats with sleeping medication and gave them to minors at a youth camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two young males both between nine and ten.
The accused was taken into custody after eight minors and a grown-up experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
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 denied a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
The accused was held in detention ahead of a further hearing on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, described the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She explained his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a youth camp which he ran.
The defendant played a "treat game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor said, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge Ruben had engaged in this activity with the children "over an extended period", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She said the man had been able to explain this over a long period as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had suspicions in summer 2025.
The prosecutor added: "Recently" his family member had suspicions about what was going on, for good reason.
"They decided to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC stated items including infant oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were located, and his stepson notified the police about his concerns.
She stated the defendant went on to engage in the "treat game" with six youngsters that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"The police had not arrived by that stage," she added.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was examining the police response of the events.
The legal representative explained the minors were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson contacted the police a second time.
She explained the man then played the "candy game" in a room of five children.
