An individual who spiked candy with sedative and distributed them to youngsters at a youth camp in the region has confessed to sexual crimes against two children both between nine and ten.
The accused was taken into custody after eight children and one adult fell ill at the location in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from that region, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he denied one particular crime he was facing, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was held in detention ahead of a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, outlined the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She explained his victims were under-privileged children who were staying at a summer program which he operated.
The man conducted a "sweet game" with the minors, the legal counsel explained, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and request they to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge Ruben had played this game with the children "over an extended period", and minors had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She stated the man had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had concerns in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "Recently" his stepson had concerns about the activities, with valid cause.
"They decided to examine in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel said items including lubricant, Vaseline and syringes were found, and his family member notified the police about his worries.
She said Ruben proceeded to play the "treat game" with six boys that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that time," she added.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was examining the police response of the events.
The legal representative explained the youngsters were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson notified the authorities a second time.
She explained Ruben then engaged in the "treat game" in a room of five children.
