A man who contaminated sweets with sedative and provided them to minors at a summer program in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two young males who were nine and 10.
The accused was detained after eight minors and one adult fell ill at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from that region, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he stood at the judicial center on recently.
However, he refused to admit one particular crime he was charged with, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was held in detention ahead of a additional proceeding on late November.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, detailed the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She stated his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a youth camp which he managed.
The defendant conducted a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel said, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge the defendant had engaged in this activity with the boys "repeatedly", and minors had previously fallen ill the next day.
She explained Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had suspicions in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "In the summer" his stepson had concerns about the activities, justifiably.
"They resolved" to investigate in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor explained objects including infant oil, petroleum jelly and injection devices were found, and his stepson alerted the authorities about his concerns.
She said the defendant continued to play the "sweet game" with six boys that time - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that point," she continued.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
The legal representative stated the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so the family member notified the police again.
She stated the man then conducted the "candy game" in a area of five minors.
