A person who contaminated sweets with tranquilliser and gave them to children at a summer program in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two children both nine and 10.
The accused was taken into custody after eight minors and an older person fell ill at the location in mid-summer.
The senior citizen, from that region, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
Yet, he refused to admit one particular crime he was accused of, which was involving a young boy.
Ruben was held in detention before a further hearing on late November.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, outlined the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She explained his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a youth camp which he ran.
Ruben conducted a "sweet game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had engaged in this activity with the young males "over an extended period", and minors had previously become sick the following morning.
She said Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had worries in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "In the summer" his family member had concerns about the situation, justifiably.
"They chose" to examine in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel said materials including baby oil, ointment and medical needles were located, and his stepchild notified the police about his worries.
She said the man continued to engage in the "treat game" with six youngsters that evening - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that time," she added.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, had stated that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
Mrs Prior stated the minors were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so the family member contacted the authorities once more.
She stated the defendant then played the "candy game" in a area of five children.
