An individual who spiked treats with sleeping medication and provided them to children at a summer camp in the area has admitted sexual offenses against two children aged nine and ten years old.
The accused was detained after eight minors and an older person experienced illness at the location in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from that region, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Yet, he denied one particular crime he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was held in detention ahead of a additional proceeding on late November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, detailed the defendant's actions to the court.
She stated his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a summer camp which he ran.
Ruben played a "candy game" with the children, Mrs Prior said, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had played this game with the young males "for many years", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She said Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had suspicions in July 2025.
The legal representative added: "This year his stepson had worries about the activities, for good reason.
"They decided to investigate in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel explained materials including baby oil, petroleum jelly and syringes were discovered, and his family member contacted the authorities about his worries.
She explained the man proceeded to engage in the "treat game" with six boys that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the following morning.
"The police had not responded by that time," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, previously told that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
The legal representative stated the children were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson contacted the police once more.
She said Ruben then conducted the "treat game" in a space of five youngsters.
