A man who laced treats with sedative and distributed them to children at a youth camp in the region has admitted sexual offenses against two children aged nine and ten years old.
The defendant was arrested after eight minors and one adult experienced illness at the facility in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from that region, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Nevertheless, he denied one particular crime he was accused of, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody prior to a additional proceeding on late November.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, outlined the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She explained his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a summer camp which he ran.
Ruben conducted a "candy game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel said, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and ask them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She told the court the man had engaged in this activity with the young males "for many years", and minors had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She explained the man had been able to explain this for many years as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had concerns in summer 2025.
The prosecutor added: "This year his stepson had concerns about what was going on, justifiably.
"They decided to have a look in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor said objects including baby oil, ointment and medical needles were located, and his family member contacted the authorities about his suspicions.
She explained the man went on to engage in the "candy game" with six boys that night - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that stage," she continued.
The oversight body, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was reviewing the police response of the events.
The legal representative explained the minors were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the stepson notified the police a second time.
She stated the man then conducted the "sweet game" in a room of five children.
