An individual who contaminated treats with sleeping medication and gave them to minors at a summer program in the region 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 76-year-old, from that region, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he stood at the judicial center on Friday.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was facing, which was concerning a young boy.
The defendant was kept in jail ahead of a subsequent court date on late November.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, detailed the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She explained his those affected were under-privileged children who were staying at a youth camp which he managed.
Ruben played a "treat game" with the minors, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and ask them to ingest treats "rapidly".
She stated to the judge the defendant had played this game with the children "over an extended period", and children had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She explained the man had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had worries in summer 2025.
The legal representative continued: "Recently" his family member had worries about the activities, justifiably.
"They decided to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC said objects including baby oil, Vaseline and injection devices were found, and his stepchild alerted the police about his suspicions.
She explained the man went on to play the "sweet game" with six boys that night - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that point," she continued.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, previously told that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
Mrs Prior said the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson called the law enforcement a second time.
She explained the man then played the "candy game" in a area of five children.
