An individual who spiked treats with tranquilliser and provided them to minors at a summer program in the area has admitted sexual crimes against two children aged between nine and ten.
The accused was arrested after eight children and an older person fell ill at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from that region, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
Yet, he disputed one particular crime he was charged with, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was held in detention prior to a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, described the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She said his targets were under-privileged children who were participating in a summer camp which he managed.
The defendant conducted a "candy game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel said, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and ask them to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She told the court the man had engaged in this activity with the children "over an extended period", and children had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She said Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had concerns in summer 2025.
The prosecutor added: "This year his stepchild had worries about the activities, justifiably.
"They chose" to have a look in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor explained objects including lubricant, Vaseline and medical needles were located, and his family member notified the police about his worries.
She said the man went on to engage in the "candy game" with six boys that night - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that stage," she added.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, previously told that it was investigating the police response of the situation.
Mrs Prior stated the children were struggling to walk due to being ill, so the stepson called the police again.
She explained the man then played the "candy game" in a room of five youngsters.
