A person who contaminated sweets with tranquilliser and distributed them to youngsters at a summer camp in the region has admitted sexual crimes against two children both nine and 10.
The accused was taken into custody after eight minors and an older person experienced illness at the facility in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from that region, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he denied one particular crime he was facing, which was involving a young boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody ahead of a additional proceeding on late November.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, detailed the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She said his those affected were under-privileged children who were attending a youth camp which he operated.
Ruben engaged in a "sweet game" with the children, Mrs Prior said, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and request they to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge Ruben had played this game with the children "repeatedly", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She explained Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had worries in July 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "This year his family member had worries about what was going on, justifiably.
"They resolved" to have a look in the individual's items."
The legal counsel explained objects including infant oil, petroleum jelly and syringes were discovered, and his stepson notified the authorities about his suspicions.
She said the man went on to conduct the "treat game" with six youngsters that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"The police had not responded by that point," she added.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was examining law enforcement's management of the situation.
Mrs Prior stated the minors were struggling to walk due to their condition, so the family member called the police once more.
She stated the defendant then engaged in the "treat game" in a space of five children.