An individual who contaminated sweets with sedative and distributed them to children at a summer camp in the area has admitted sexual offenses against two boys aged nine and 10.
The accused was taken into custody after eight children and a grown-up became sick at the facility in July.
The elderly man, from that region, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
However, he refused to admit one particular crime he was facing, which was against a young boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody ahead of a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, outlined the criminal behavior to the court.
She said his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a summer program which he ran.
The defendant engaged in a "treat game" with the children, the legal counsel said, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and request they to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings the man had engaged in this activity with the boys "over an extended period", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She explained the defendant had been able to explain this for many years as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had suspicions in July 2025.
The legal representative added: "This year his family member had concerns about the activities, justifiably.
"They decided to have a look in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor said materials including baby oil, Vaseline and syringes were located, and his family member contacted the law enforcement about his worries.
She explained Ruben proceeded to engage in the "treat game" with six children that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that point," she continued.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, previously told that it was investigating the police response of the incident.
The legal representative said the minors were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the stepson called the police again.
She stated Ruben then played the "candy game" in a room of five children.
