A person who contaminated treats with sedative and gave them to minors at a youth camp in the area has confessed to sexual offences against two children both nine and ten years old.
The accused was arrested after eight children and one adult experienced illness at the location in July.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he stood at the courthouse on recently.
However, he disputed one particular crime he was accused of, which was concerning a young boy.
The defendant was kept in jail before a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, described the criminal behavior to the court.
She stated his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a youth camp which he managed.
The defendant played a "treat game" with the minors, the legal counsel said, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to ingest treats "rapidly".
She stated to the judge Ruben had conducted this practice with the young males "for many years", and minors had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She explained the man had been capable of justifying this repeatedly as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had suspicions in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "Recently" his stepson had concerns about the activities, for good reason.
"They chose" to examine in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor said objects including baby oil, Vaseline and injection devices were located, and his stepchild notified the law enforcement about his concerns.
She said the man proceeded to play the "treat game" with six boys that evening - that Saturday - and they were all sick the following morning.
"Authorities" had not responded by that stage," she continued.
The oversight body, the investigative body, had stated that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
The legal representative said the minors were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson called the authorities again.
She stated the man then engaged in the "sweet game" in a space of five children.
