An individual who laced sweets with sleeping medication and provided them to youngsters at a summer program in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two young males who were nine and 10.
The defendant was detained after eight youngsters and a grown-up became sick at the location in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from that region, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was against a young boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody ahead of a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, described Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She stated his targets were under-privileged children who were participating in a youth camp which he ran.
The defendant conducted a "treat game" with the children, the prosecutor explained, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to eat sweets "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings the man had conducted this practice with the boys "repeatedly", and children had previously fallen ill the next day.
She stated the man had been capable of justifying this for many years as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had suspicions in summer 2025.
The legal representative continued: "Recently" his stepson had concerns about the situation, justifiably.
"They resolved" to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor explained objects including lubricant, ointment and syringes were located, and his stepson notified the police about his concerns.
She said the man continued to play the "sweet game" with six youngsters that evening - July 26th - and they were all sick the next day.
"The police had not responded by that stage," she stated further.
The oversight body, the investigative body, previously told that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the situation.
The prosecutor stated the children were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson contacted the police a second time.
She stated the man then played the "sweet game" in a area of five minors.
