A person who spiked sweets with sleeping medication and provided them to youngsters at a summer program in the region has admitted sexual crimes against two boys both nine and 10.
The accused was arrested after eight children and an older person experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The elderly man, from that region, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
However, he denied one particular crime he was charged with, which was against a nine-year-old child.
The accused was kept in jail before a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, outlined the criminal behavior to the court.
She said his victims were under-privileged children who were attending a summer program which he ran.
Ruben played a "sweet game" with the minors, the prosecutor stated, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and tell them to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She told the court the defendant had engaged in this activity with the young males "for many years", and children had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She said the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had suspicions in summer 2025.
The legal representative continued: "This year his stepson had concerns about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to have a look in the individual's items."
The legal counsel stated items including baby oil, ointment and injection devices were discovered, and his stepson contacted the police about his worries.
She stated Ruben proceeded to engage in the "treat game" with six youngsters that time - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that stage," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the situation.
The prosecutor said the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so the stepson called the police again.
She said Ruben then played the "candy game" in a room of five children.
