A person who laced treats with sleeping medication and gave them to youngsters at a summer camp in the area has confessed to sexual offenses against two boys who were nine and 10.
The accused was arrested after eight minors and a grown-up experienced illness at the location in July.
The senior citizen, from that region, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Yet, he denied one particular crime he was facing, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was remanded in custody ahead of a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, outlined the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She stated his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a summer camp which he managed.
Ruben engaged in a "treat game" with the minors, Mrs Prior said, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and ask them to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had conducted this practice with the children "for many years", and children had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She said Ruben had been able to explain this over a long period as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had worries in summer 2025.
The prosecutor added: "This year his stepchild had suspicions about the situation, justifiably.
"They decided to have a look in the individual's items."
The prosecutor explained objects including lubricant, petroleum jelly and injection devices were discovered, and his family member alerted the authorities about his suspicions.
She stated the man went on to engage in the "sweet game" with six youngsters that night - July 26th - and they were all sick the next day.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that point," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, previously told that it was investigating the police response of the events.
The legal representative said the youngsters were struggling to walk due to being ill, so the family member notified the law enforcement again.
She explained Ruben then conducted the "treat game" in a room of five children.
