An individual who contaminated sweets with sedative and provided them to children at a youth camp in the region has admitted sexual offences against two boys both between nine and ten.
The accused was taken into custody after eight youngsters and a grown-up fell ill at the location in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from that region, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Nevertheless, he denied a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was involving a young boy.
The defendant was kept in jail before a subsequent court date on late November.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, detailed the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She stated his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a youth camp which he operated.
The man conducted a "treat game" with the minors, the legal counsel explained, in which he would go into the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings the man had played this game with the young males "over an extended period", and children had previously fallen ill the next day.
She stated the man had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had suspicions in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "This year his stepson had suspicions about the situation, justifiably.
"They decided to examine in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel stated materials including baby oil, ointment and syringes were found, and his stepchild notified the authorities about his suspicions.
She stated Ruben proceeded to engage in the "treat game" with six children that night - July 26th - and they were all sick the next day.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that stage," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
The legal representative stated the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so the family member contacted the police once more.
She said the man then played the "candy game" in a room of five youngsters.
