A person who spiked treats with sleeping medication and gave them to youngsters at a youth camp in the area has admitted sexual offenses against two children both between nine and ten.
The accused was arrested after eight youngsters and one adult fell ill at the location in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from that region, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at the courthouse on recently.
However, he denied one particular crime he was facing, which was involving a young boy.
The defendant was held in detention prior to a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, detailed the criminal behavior to the court.
She said his those affected were under-privileged children who were participating in a youth camp which he ran.
Ruben conducted a "sweet game" with the children, the legal counsel stated, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and request they to eat sweets "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had conducted this practice with the boys "for many years", and youngsters had previously become sick the following morning.
She stated Ruben had been capable of justifying this for many years as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had concerns in July 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "In the summer" his stepchild had concerns about the situation, for good reason.
"They chose" to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC explained objects including baby oil, ointment and medical needles were found, and his family member alerted the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She stated the defendant went on to conduct the "candy game" with six youngsters that night - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"The police had not responded by that point," she continued.
The oversight body, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
Mrs Prior explained the children were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the stepson contacted the law enforcement once more.
She stated the man then engaged in the "treat game" in a area of five youngsters.
