A person who laced treats with sleeping medication and distributed them to children at a youth camp in the area has confessed to sexual offenses against two young males who were nine and 10.
The defendant was detained after eight youngsters and a grown-up experienced illness at the facility in July.
The 76-year-old, from that region, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was facing, which was involving a young boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody prior to a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, detailed the criminal behavior to the court.
She said his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a youth camp which he managed.
Ruben conducted a "candy game" with the children, the legal counsel explained, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had conducted this practice with the young males "for many years", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She stated the man had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had worries in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "This year his stepson had suspicions about the activities, for good reason.
"They decided to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC said objects including baby oil, petroleum jelly and syringes were found, and his family member notified the police about his suspicions.
She stated Ruben proceeded to conduct the "sweet game" with six youngsters that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the next day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that time," she stated further.
The oversight body, the investigative body, had stated that it was reviewing the police response of the situation.
Mrs Prior said the children were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so the stepson called the law enforcement again.
She explained Ruben then played the "treat game" in a area of five youngsters.
