An individual who laced treats with sleeping medication and provided them to children at a youth camp in the region has confessed to sexual crimes against two boys aged nine and ten years old.
The defendant was arrested after eight minors and a grown-up fell ill at Stathern Lodge in July.
The 76-year-old, from that region, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Nevertheless, he denied one particular crime he was facing, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was held in detention prior to a subsequent court date on late November.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, handling the case, described the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She said his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer camp which he managed.
The man played a "treat game" with the children, the prosecutor stated, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and tell them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She told the court Ruben had conducted this practice with the boys "over an extended period", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She said the man had been able to explain this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had concerns in summer 2025.
The prosecutor added: "This year his family member had suspicions about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to investigate in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel stated materials including infant oil, Vaseline and syringes were located, and his stepchild contacted the police about his worries.
She explained the defendant continued to engage in the "treat game" with six youngsters that night - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that stage," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was reviewing the police response of the situation.
The legal representative explained the children were struggling to walk due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson contacted the authorities once more.
She said the defendant then engaged in the "sweet game" in a room of five youngsters.
