An individual who spiked candy with sleeping medication and distributed them to children at a summer program in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two children aged between nine and ten.
The defendant was detained after eight minors and one adult became sick at the location in July.
The elderly man, from that region, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he stood 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 accused was remanded in custody ahead of a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, detailed Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She stated his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer camp which he managed.
Ruben conducted a "sweet game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior said, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to consume candy "rapidly".
She stated to the judge the defendant had engaged in this activity with the boys "repeatedly", and minors had previously become sick the next day.
She said the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had suspicions in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "Recently" his family member had worries about the activities, for good reason.
"They decided to investigate in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC explained objects including lubricant, Vaseline and syringes were located, and his stepchild alerted the authorities about his suspicions.
She stated Ruben continued to conduct the "treat game" with six children that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that stage," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, previously told that it was investigating the police response of the events.
The prosecutor stated the youngsters were struggling to walk due to their condition, so the stepson contacted the law enforcement again.
She explained the man then conducted the "candy game" in a room of five minors.
