An individual who spiked treats with sleeping medication and distributed them to minors at a summer program in the region has admitted sexual crimes against two young males both between nine and ten.
The defendant was detained after eight children and one adult became sick at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from that region, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
However, he disputed one particular crime he was accused of, which was involving a young boy.
The accused was remanded in custody before a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, detailed Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She explained his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a summer program which he managed.
The defendant conducted a "treat game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would go into the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had played this game with the boys "repeatedly", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She stated Ruben had been capable of justifying this for many years as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had worries in summer 2025.
The legal representative added: "Recently" his family member had suspicions about the activities, for good reason.
"They resolved" to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC explained objects including infant oil, petroleum jelly and syringes were discovered, and his stepchild contacted the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She stated Ruben went on to play the "treat game" with six children that evening - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that time," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, previously told that it was examining law enforcement's management of the situation.
Mrs Prior explained the minors were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so the family member called the law enforcement a second time.
She explained Ruben then played the "candy game" in a space of five youngsters.
