A man who spiked treats with sedative and gave them to children at a summer camp in the area has confessed to sexual offences against two young males aged between nine and ten.
The accused was arrested after eight youngsters and an older person fell ill at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from that region, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
Nevertheless, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody before a additional proceeding on late November.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, outlined the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She said his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer camp which he ran.
Ruben played a "treat game" with the children, the prosecutor explained, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to eat sweets "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had conducted this practice with the children "over an extended period", and youngsters had previously become sick the next day.
She stated the defendant had been capable of justifying this repeatedly as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had worries in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "In the summer" his stepchild had concerns about the activities, with valid cause.
"They chose" to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC explained materials including baby oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were found, and his family member contacted the police about his worries.
She said the man proceeded to play the "candy game" with six boys that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that stage," she continued.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the incident.
Mrs Prior stated the minors were struggling to walk due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson called the authorities a second time.
She said the defendant then played the "candy game" in a room of five children.
