An individual who spiked treats with sleeping medication and gave them to children at a summer program in the area has confessed to sexual offences against two young males who were nine and 10.
The defendant was arrested after eight children and one adult became sick at the location in July.
The senior citizen, from that region, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was facing, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
The accused was kept in jail prior to a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, outlined the defendant's actions to the court.
She explained his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a youth camp which he ran.
The man engaged in a "sweet game" with the children, the prosecutor said, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were settling down and request they to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge Ruben had conducted this practice with the young males "for many years", and minors had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She said the man had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had suspicions in July 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "Recently" his family member had suspicions about what was going on, for good reason.
"They chose" to have a look in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC stated items including infant oil, petroleum jelly and injection devices were located, and his family member alerted the law enforcement about his concerns.
She explained the defendant went on to conduct the "candy game" with six boys that night - July 26th - and they were all sick the next day.
"The police had not arrived by that time," she added.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was examining law enforcement's management of the events.
The legal representative said the minors were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so the family member called the authorities once more.
She stated Ruben then engaged in the "sweet game" in a space of five minors.
