A man who contaminated treats with tranquilliser and provided them to youngsters at a summer program in the region has confessed to sexual crimes against two boys who were nine and ten years old.
The defendant was arrested after eight minors and an older person experienced illness at the location in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from that region, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he denied a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was concerning a young boy.
The defendant was kept in jail prior to a further hearing on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, described the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She explained his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a youth camp which he operated.
The man conducted a "candy game" with the children, the legal counsel said, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge the man had played this game with the boys "repeatedly", and minors had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She said the man had been able to explain this over a long period as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had concerns in summer 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "Recently" his stepson had suspicions about the situation, with valid cause.
"They chose" to examine in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor said materials including infant oil, petroleum jelly and injection devices were discovered, and his stepchild alerted the authorities about his concerns.
She explained the man proceeded to play the "treat game" with six youngsters that time - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that stage," she continued.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, previously told that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the incident.
The legal representative stated the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson called the law enforcement a second time.
She explained Ruben then played the "treat game" in a room of five minors.
