A person who contaminated sweets with sleeping medication and gave them to minors at a youth camp in the area has admitted sexual offenses against two children who were nine and ten years old.
The defendant was detained after eight minors and one adult became sick at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from that region, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
Yet, he disputed a single sexual charge he was facing, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was kept in jail before a further hearing on 28 November.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, described Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She stated his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a youth camp which he ran.
Ruben engaged in a "treat game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor explained, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and ask them to ingest treats "rapidly".
She stated to the judge Ruben had conducted this practice with the boys "for many years", and children had previously become sick the following morning.
She stated the man had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had suspicions in July 2025.
The legal representative added: "Recently" his family member had suspicions about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They decided to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel explained items including infant oil, petroleum jelly and syringes were found, and his stepson contacted the police about his worries.
She said Ruben continued to conduct the "sweet game" with six youngsters that time - that Saturday - and they were all ill the next day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that time," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, previously told that it was investigating the police response of the incident.
Mrs Prior said the children were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so the family member notified the law enforcement again.
She said the defendant then engaged in the "candy game" in a space of five minors.
