A person who laced treats with tranquilliser and distributed them to minors at a youth camp in the area has confessed to sexual offenses against two young males aged between nine and ten.
The defendant was arrested after eight youngsters and one adult experienced illness at the location in the summer month.
The elderly man, from that region, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at the judicial center on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was concerning a young boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody before a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, detailed the defendant's actions to the court.
She explained his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a youth camp which he managed.
Ruben played a "sweet game" with the minors, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and request they to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had conducted this practice with the children "over an extended period", and minors had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She said the man had been able to explain this over a long period as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had suspicions in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "Recently" his stepson had suspicions about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They decided to have a look in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC explained objects including lubricant, ointment and syringes were located, and his family member alerted the authorities about his suspicions.
She said the defendant proceeded to conduct the "candy game" with six children that evening - July 26th - and they were all ill the next day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that stage," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
The legal representative stated the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson notified the authorities once more.
She explained the defendant then engaged in the "treat game" in a room of five minors.
