A person who contaminated sweets with sedative and provided them to youngsters at a summer program in the area has confessed to sexual offences against two boys aged nine and ten years old.
The accused was taken into custody after eight youngsters and an older person fell ill at the facility in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from that region, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit one particular crime he was facing, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was kept in jail ahead of a further hearing on 28 November.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, outlined the criminal behavior to the court.
She explained his those affected were under-privileged children who were participating in a youth camp which he operated.
Ruben conducted a "sweet game" with the children, the legal counsel said, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and request they to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge Ruben had engaged in this activity with the boys "over an extended period", and children had previously become sick the following morning.
She explained the man had been able to explain this over a long period as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had worries in July 2025.
The legal representative added: "Recently" his stepson had suspicions about the activities, for good reason.
"They resolved" to have a look in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC stated objects including baby oil, ointment and syringes were found, and his family member alerted the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She said the man went on to engage in the "treat game" with six youngsters that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that time," she stated further.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was examining law enforcement's management of the events.
Mrs Prior said the minors were struggling to walk due to being ill, so the family member contacted the police a second time.
She stated the defendant then engaged in the "candy game" in a space of five minors.
