A man who spiked candy with sedative and distributed them to children at a summer camp in the region has admitted sexual crimes against two children both nine and ten years old.
The accused was taken into custody after eight children and a grown-up fell ill at the facility in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from that region, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Yet, he disputed a single sexual charge he was facing, which was involving a young boy.
Ruben was held in detention prior to a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, outlined Ruben's offending to the court.
She explained his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a summer program which he ran.
The man conducted a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor explained, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge the defendant had played this game with the children "repeatedly", and youngsters had previously become sick the following morning.
She explained Ruben had been able to explain this over a long period as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had suspicions in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "Recently" his stepson had worries about the situation, for good reason.
"They chose" to investigate in the individual's items."
The legal counsel said items including baby oil, ointment and syringes were found, and his stepchild alerted the authorities about his worries.
She said the defendant proceeded to conduct the "treat game" with six youngsters that night - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"The police had not gone out by that point," she added.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the events.
The legal representative said the children were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson called the authorities a second time.
She explained the defendant then played the "candy game" in a area of five children.
