A person who contaminated treats with sleeping medication and gave them to children at a youth camp in the area has confessed to sexual offenses against two children who were nine and ten years old.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight youngsters and one adult experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in July.
The elderly man, from that region, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
However, he denied one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody prior to a further hearing on late November.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, outlined Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She stated his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a youth camp which he ran.
The defendant engaged in a "sweet game" with the minors, Mrs Prior said, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had engaged in this activity with the children "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 children being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had worries in July 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "In the summer" his family member had concerns about what was going on, justifiably.
"They resolved" to examine in the individual's items."
The prosecutor said materials including baby oil, ointment and medical needles were found, and his stepson alerted the law enforcement about his concerns.
She stated the man continued to conduct the "candy game" with six youngsters that evening - July 26th - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"The police had not responded by that point," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, had stated that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
Mrs Prior explained the children were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson contacted the police once more.
She stated Ruben then conducted the "treat game" in a area of five minors.
