An individual who spiked treats with sleeping medication and gave them to minors at a summer camp in the area has confessed to sexual offenses against two boys both nine and ten years old.
The accused was arrested after eight minors and one adult fell ill at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a multiple criminal counts 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 concerning a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was remanded in custody prior to a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, described the defendant's actions to the court.
She stated his victims were under-privileged children who were staying at a summer program which he ran.
Ruben played a "candy game" with the children, Mrs Prior said, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had conducted this practice with the boys "over an extended period", and minors had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She stated Ruben had been able to explain this over a long period as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had suspicions in summer 2025.
The prosecutor stated further: "Recently" his family member had concerns about the situation, with valid cause.
"They decided to examine in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor explained materials including lubricant, ointment and medical needles were discovered, and his stepchild contacted the police about his concerns.
She explained Ruben continued to conduct the "treat game" with six youngsters that night - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that point," she stated further.
The oversight body, the investigative body, had stated that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
Mrs Prior said the minors were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson contacted the authorities a second time.
She stated Ruben then played the "treat game" in a area of five youngsters.
