A person who laced candy with tranquilliser and distributed them to minors at a youth camp in the region has admitted sexual offences against two young males aged between nine and ten.
The defendant was arrested after eight children and an older person became sick at the facility in the summer month.
The elderly man, from that region, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit one particular crime he was facing, which was concerning a young boy.
The accused was remanded in custody prior to a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, described the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She stated his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a summer program which he operated.
The man engaged in a "treat game" with the children, the legal counsel said, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She told the court the defendant had engaged in this activity with the young males "repeatedly", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She explained Ruben had been able to explain this over a long period as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had suspicions in summer 2025.
The prosecutor added: "This year his stepson had worries about the situation, for good reason.
"They resolved" to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel said materials including infant oil, Vaseline and syringes were located, and his stepchild contacted the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She stated Ruben went on to engage in the "treat game" with six children that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the next day.
"The police had not gone out by that stage," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, had stated that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the events.
Mrs Prior said the children were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the stepson contacted the police a second time.
She stated Ruben then conducted the "sweet game" in a area of five minors.
