An individual who contaminated treats with sedative and gave them to minors at a youth camp in the area has admitted sexual offenses against two boys aged nine and 10.
The defendant was detained after eight youngsters and one adult fell ill at the facility in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from that region, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
Yet, he denied one particular crime he was facing, which was against a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was held in detention prior to a further hearing on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, detailed the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She explained his those affected were under-privileged children who were participating in a summer camp which he ran.
Ruben played a "sweet game" with the minors, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She told the court Ruben had conducted this practice with the children "for many years", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She said the man had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had suspicions in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "This year his stepson had suspicions about what was going on, justifiably.
"They decided to examine in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel explained objects including lubricant, ointment and syringes were found, and his stepchild notified the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She stated the man continued to conduct the "treat game" with six boys that time - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"The police had not arrived by that stage," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was examining the police response of the events.
The legal representative said the minors were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson called the law enforcement a second time.
She explained Ruben then engaged in the "treat game" in a space of five minors.
