A man who contaminated treats with tranquilliser and provided them to children at a summer program in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two young males both between nine and ten.
The defendant was detained after eight children and an older person experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at the courthouse on Friday.
Yet, he denied a single sexual charge he was facing, which was against a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was remanded in custody prior to a additional proceeding on late November.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, described the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She explained his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a summer program which he managed.
Ruben conducted a "candy game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel said, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and request they to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the defendant had engaged in this activity with the young males "repeatedly", and youngsters had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She explained the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had concerns in summer 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "In the summer" his family member had worries about the activities, with valid cause.
"They decided to have a look in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor stated objects including lubricant, petroleum jelly and injection devices were located, and his stepchild contacted the police about his worries.
She explained the man went on to play the "treat game" with six boys that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the following morning.
"The police had not gone out by that time," she stated further.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, previously told that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
Mrs Prior explained the minors were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so the family member called the authorities again.
She said the man then played the "sweet game" in a room of five minors.
