A person who spiked treats with tranquilliser and provided them to youngsters at a youth camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two children both between nine and ten.
The defendant was detained after eight minors and an older person experienced illness at the location in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from that region, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
However, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was remanded in custody before a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, described the criminal behavior to the court.
She stated his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a summer program which he operated.
The defendant conducted a "treat game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor explained, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and request they to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She told the court the defendant had conducted this practice with the children "over an extended period", and minors had previously become sick the following morning.
She explained Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had suspicions in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "Recently" his family member had worries about the activities, justifiably.
"They decided to have a look in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC stated objects including infant oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were located, and his stepson contacted the police about his concerns.
She said Ruben continued to conduct the "candy game" with six boys that time - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that time," she continued.
The oversight body, the investigative body, previously told that it was examining law enforcement's management of the events.
Mrs Prior said the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so the family member notified the police again.
She said the defendant then engaged in the "sweet game" in a space of five minors.
