A person who spiked treats with sleeping medication and distributed them to youngsters at a youth camp in the area has confessed to sexual offenses against two children who were nine and ten years old.
The defendant was arrested after eight children and a grown-up fell ill at the facility in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from that region, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Nevertheless, he denied one particular crime he was charged with, which was involving a young boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody ahead of a further hearing on November 28th.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, detailed Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She stated his those affected were under-privileged children who were staying at a youth camp which he operated.
The defendant engaged in a "sweet game" with the children, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to ingest treats "rapidly".
She told the court Ruben had conducted this practice with the young males "for many years", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the next day.
She explained the man had been able to explain this over a long period as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had concerns in summer 2025.
The legal representative added: "This year his stepchild had suspicions about the activities, for good reason.
"They resolved" to examine in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor said materials including lubricant, Vaseline and injection devices were located, and his stepchild notified the authorities about his concerns.
She said Ruben went on to play the "candy game" with six boys that night - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that time," she continued.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, had stated that it was examining the police response of the situation.
The prosecutor explained the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so the stepson contacted the law enforcement again.
She said Ruben then conducted the "treat game" in a room of five children.
