An individual who spiked treats with sleeping medication and provided them to minors at a summer camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two children who were between nine and ten.
The accused was arrested after eight children and one adult experienced illness at the facility in July.
The senior citizen, from that region, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
Yet, he disputed one particular crime he was accused of, which was against a nine-year-old child.
The accused was held in detention ahead of a subsequent court date on late November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, described the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She said his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a youth camp which he managed.
The defendant conducted a "treat game" with the minors, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were settling down and ask them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She told the court Ruben had engaged in this activity with the boys "repeatedly", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She explained the man had been able to explain this over a long period as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had concerns in July 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "This year his family member had concerns about the activities, justifiably.
"They resolved" to investigate in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC explained objects including infant oil, ointment and syringes were discovered, and his family member contacted the authorities about his concerns.
She stated the defendant proceeded to engage in the "sweet game" with six children that time - July 26th - and they were all ill the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that stage," she added.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
The prosecutor said the children were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the stepson called the authorities again.
She stated the man then engaged in the "sweet game" in a room of five children.
