An individual who laced candy with sleeping medication and gave them to youngsters at a summer program in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two children aged nine and 10.
The accused was taken into custody after eight youngsters and a grown-up experienced illness at the location in mid-summer.
The senior citizen, from that region, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was against a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was remanded in custody before a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, described Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She said his targets were under-privileged children who were attending a youth camp which he managed.
Ruben played a "treat game" with the minors, the prosecutor explained, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had conducted this practice with the boys "repeatedly", and children had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She stated the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had suspicions in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "Recently" his stepchild had concerns about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They decided to examine in the individual's items."
The legal counsel explained items including infant oil, ointment and syringes were found, and his stepchild alerted the authorities about his suspicions.
She said Ruben proceeded to conduct the "sweet game" with six children that evening - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that stage," she added.
The oversight body, the investigative body, had stated that it was examining law enforcement's management of the situation.
The prosecutor stated the children were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so the stepson contacted the authorities once more.
She stated Ruben then conducted the "treat game" in a room of five children.
