A man who laced sweets with tranquilliser and gave them to minors at a youth camp in the region has admitted sexual offences against two children aged nine and 10.
The accused was detained after eight children and one adult fell ill at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The elderly man, from that region, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was remanded in custody prior to a further hearing on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, outlined the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She stated his targets were under-privileged children who were attending a youth camp which he ran.
The defendant played a "sweet game" with the children, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to consume candy "rapidly".
She stated to the judge Ruben had played this game with the children "for many years", and minors had previously fallen ill the next day.
She explained Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had worries in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "This year his family member had worries about the situation, with valid cause.
"They chose" to have a look in the individual's items."
The prosecutor said items including infant oil, Vaseline and syringes were discovered, and his stepson notified the police about his worries.
She stated the man proceeded to play the "candy game" with six children that evening - July 26th - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"The police had not arrived by that point," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, had stated that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
Mrs Prior explained the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the stepson called the police once more.
She said the man then conducted the "sweet game" in a area of five youngsters.
