A man who contaminated treats with sleeping medication and distributed them to minors at a youth camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two boys aged between nine and ten.
The accused was taken into custody after eight youngsters and an older person experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from that region, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at the courthouse on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was against a young boy.
The accused was held in detention ahead of a further hearing on November 28th.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, detailed Ruben's offending to the court.
She said his victims were under-privileged children who were staying at a summer camp which he ran.
The defendant engaged in a "candy game" with the children, the legal counsel said, in which he would go into the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge Ruben had engaged in this activity with the young males "for many years", and children had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She explained the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had concerns in July 2025.
The legal representative added: "In the summer" his stepson had worries about what was going on, for good reason.
"They decided to investigate in the individual's items."
The legal counsel said items including baby oil, Vaseline and syringes were discovered, and his stepchild notified the law enforcement about his concerns.
She explained the defendant proceeded to engage in the "sweet game" with six children that evening - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that point," she continued.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
The prosecutor said the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the family member called the law enforcement once more.
She stated the man then played the "sweet game" in a room of five minors.
