An individual who contaminated treats with sedative and distributed them to youngsters at a summer camp in the area has admitted sexual offenses against two boys who were nine and ten years old.
The defendant was arrested after eight children and a grown-up fell ill at the location in July.
The 76-year-old, from that region, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he stood at the courthouse on Friday.
Yet, he refused to admit one particular crime he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was kept in jail before a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, detailed the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She stated his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a youth camp which he managed.
The man played a "treat game" with the minors, the legal counsel said, in which he would go into the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had conducted this practice with the young males "over an extended period", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She explained the man had been able to explain this over a long period as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had suspicions in July 2025.
The prosecutor added: "Recently" his family member had suspicions about what was going on, justifiably.
"They resolved" to examine in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC explained objects including baby oil, ointment and medical needles were discovered, and his stepson notified the police about his worries.
She explained Ruben continued to engage in the "candy game" with six children that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that stage," she added.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, had stated that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
The prosecutor said the minors were struggling to walk due to their condition, so the family member contacted the authorities once more.
She said the man then engaged in the "sweet game" in a area of five children.
