A person who contaminated treats with sleeping medication and gave them to youngsters at a summer program in the region has confessed to sexual offences against two boys aged between nine and ten.
The accused was detained after eight minors and a grown-up experienced illness at the location in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from that region, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
However, he refused to admit one particular crime he was facing, which was concerning a young boy.
The accused was held in detention ahead of a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, described the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She explained his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a summer camp which he ran.
The defendant played a "candy game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior said, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge the man had engaged in this activity with the children "for many years", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the next day.
She explained the man had been able to explain this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had worries in summer 2025.
The prosecutor added: "Recently" his family member had worries about the situation, with valid cause.
"They decided to examine in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel stated materials including baby oil, Vaseline and medical needles were found, and his stepchild contacted the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She explained Ruben continued to engage in the "sweet game" with six boys that night - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that time," she added.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the incident.
The legal representative explained the minors were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the family member notified the authorities once more.
She explained the man then conducted the "treat game" in a area of five minors.
