A man who spiked sweets with tranquilliser and distributed them to minors at a youth camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two young males both between nine and ten.
The defendant was arrested after eight youngsters and one adult fell ill at the location in mid-summer.
The senior citizen, from that region, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
However, he disputed one particular crime he was accused of, which was involving a young boy.
The accused was held in detention ahead of a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, outlined the defendant's actions to the court.
She said his victims were under-privileged children who were attending a youth camp which he managed.
The defendant played a "candy game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel stated, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and request they to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She told the court Ruben had conducted this practice with the young males "for many years", and minors had previously become sick the next day.
She said Ruben had been capable of justifying this repeatedly as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had concerns in summer 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "This year his family member had worries about the situation, justifiably.
"They chose" to examine in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC said items including infant oil, ointment and medical needles were discovered, and his stepchild contacted the authorities about his worries.
She stated the defendant proceeded to engage in the "treat game" with six boys that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"The police had not gone out by that time," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, previously told that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the situation.
Mrs Prior explained the minors were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson notified the law enforcement a second time.
She said the defendant then conducted the "candy game" in a room of five minors.
