An individual who laced treats with sleeping medication and gave them to children at a summer camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two boys both nine and 10.
The accused was detained after eight children and a grown-up experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from that region, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at the judicial center on Friday.
However, he disputed one particular crime he was accused of, which was against a young boy.
Ruben was held in detention before a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, detailed the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She said his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a youth camp which he ran.
Ruben engaged in a "candy game" with the children, the legal counsel explained, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to ingest treats "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings the man had played this game with the young males "for many years", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She said the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had suspicions in July 2025.
The prosecutor added: "This year his family member had suspicions about the situation, with valid cause.
"They decided to have a look in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor said materials including lubricant, Vaseline and syringes were found, and his family member notified the police about his suspicions.
She stated Ruben proceeded to conduct the "candy game" with six children that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that time," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
Mrs Prior said the children were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson notified the police once more.
She stated the defendant then engaged in the "treat game" in a space of five youngsters.
