An individual who contaminated treats with sleeping medication and gave them to minors at a youth camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two young males both nine and 10.
The accused was detained after eight minors and a grown-up fell ill at the location in mid-summer.
The senior citizen, from that region, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Yet, he denied one particular crime he was accused of, which was concerning a young boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody prior to a additional proceeding on late November.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, handling the case, described Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She stated his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a summer camp which he operated.
Ruben conducted a "candy game" with the minors, the legal counsel said, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to eat sweets "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had engaged in this activity with the children "for many years", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She explained Ruben had been able to explain this repeatedly as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had suspicions in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "In the summer" his family member had concerns about what was going on, justifiably.
"They chose" to have a look in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC stated materials including lubricant, ointment and syringes were located, and his stepchild notified the police about his suspicions.
She said Ruben went on to conduct the "candy game" with six boys that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"The police had not responded by that time," she continued.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was examining law enforcement's management of the events.
The legal representative stated the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so the family member notified the police a second time.
She explained the man then conducted the "candy game" in a area of five minors.
