A man who spiked sweets with tranquilliser and gave them to minors at a youth camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two children who were nine and 10.
The defendant was detained after eight youngsters and one adult became sick at the facility in the summer month.
The elderly man, from that region, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was against a nine-year-old child.
The accused was kept in jail prior to a further hearing on November 28th.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, described the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She said his victims were under-privileged children who were participating in a summer camp which he operated.
Ruben engaged in a "sweet game" with the children, the legal counsel stated, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge the man had conducted this practice with the young males "over an extended period", and minors had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She stated the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had suspicions in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "This year his family member had concerns about the situation, justifiably.
"They decided to examine in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor explained materials including infant oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were discovered, and his stepchild notified the police about his suspicions.
She explained the man proceeded to play the "candy game" with six children that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the next day.
"The police had not arrived by that time," she continued.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the incident.
The prosecutor said the minors were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the family member contacted the authorities a second time.
She explained Ruben then played the "candy game" in a area of five minors.
