A man who contaminated treats with tranquilliser and gave them to children at a youth camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two young males who were nine and ten years old.
The defendant was arrested after eight minors and an older person became sick at Stathern Lodge in July.
The senior citizen, from that region, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he disputed a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
The accused was kept in jail before a further hearing on November 28th.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, described the defendant's actions to the court.
She stated his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer camp which he ran.
The defendant conducted a "treat game" with the children, the prosecutor stated, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and request they to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge the man had played this game with the young males "for many years", and youngsters had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She stated the defendant had been capable of justifying this for many years as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had worries in July 2025.
The prosecutor added: "Recently" his stepson had concerns about the situation, for good reason.
"They decided to investigate in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC explained materials including infant oil, petroleum jelly and injection devices were discovered, and his stepson contacted the law enforcement about his concerns.
She explained Ruben went on to play the "candy game" with six youngsters that evening - July 26th - and they were all sick the following morning.
"Authorities" had not responded by that point," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, had stated that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
The legal representative said the children were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so the family member called the police again.
She stated the defendant then engaged in the "treat game" in a space of five children.
