An individual who spiked candy with sedative and provided them to youngsters at a summer camp in the region has confessed to sexual crimes against two children who were nine and ten years old.
The accused was taken into custody after eight youngsters and an older person experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The elderly man, from that region, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
Yet, he disputed a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was held in detention ahead of a further hearing on November 28th.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, detailed the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She said his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a youth camp which he operated.
The defendant conducted a "treat game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel stated, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and request they to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the defendant had engaged in this activity with the children "over an extended period", and children had previously fallen ill the next day.
She explained Ruben had been able to explain this for many years as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had worries in recently.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "In the summer" his stepchild had concerns about the activities, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to have a look in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel said objects including infant oil, Vaseline and injection devices were found, and his family member contacted the authorities about his concerns.
She said the defendant continued to engage in the "treat game" with six boys that night - that Saturday - and they were all sick the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that point," she continued.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was investigating the police response of the situation.
The legal representative said the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the stepson called the authorities again.
She explained the defendant then played the "sweet game" in a area of five children.
