A man who contaminated candy with sedative and distributed them to minors at a summer camp in the area has admitted sexual offenses against two boys both nine and 10.
The accused was detained after eight children and an older person experienced illness at the location in July.
The senior citizen, from that region, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was facing, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was kept in jail before a additional proceeding on late November.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, described the defendant's actions to the court.
She said his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer camp which he managed.
Ruben conducted a "sweet game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge the man had conducted this practice with the boys "repeatedly", and children had previously fallen ill the next day.
She said the man had been able to explain this over a long period as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had concerns in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "This year his family member had suspicions about the activities, justifiably.
"They resolved" to examine in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC said materials including baby oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were found, and his family member contacted the police about his suspicions.
She stated the man continued to play the "candy game" with six children that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"The police had not arrived by that stage," she continued.
The oversight body, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
The prosecutor said the minors were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so the family member called the law enforcement a second time.
She explained Ruben then engaged in the "treat game" in a area of five minors.
