A man who spiked treats with sleeping medication and gave them to children at a youth camp in the area has admitted sexual crimes against two young males both nine and ten years old.
The defendant was detained after eight children and an older person fell ill at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The senior citizen, from that region, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he disputed one particular crime he was accused of, which was against a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was remanded in custody before a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, outlined the criminal behavior to the court.
She stated his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a summer program which he ran.
The defendant played a "treat game" with the minors, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the defendant had engaged in this activity with the children "for many years", and youngsters had previously become sick the following morning.
She explained Ruben had been able to explain this over a long period as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had concerns in July 2025.
The legal representative continued: "In the summer" his stepson had suspicions about the activities, with valid cause.
"They chose" to have a look in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC said materials including baby oil, ointment and medical needles were found, and his family member contacted the authorities about his suspicions.
She explained Ruben proceeded to engage in the "sweet game" with six boys that evening - that Saturday - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"The police had not arrived by that time," she stated further.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the incident.
The legal representative explained the minors were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so the stepson called the law enforcement a second time.
She said Ruben then conducted the "candy game" in a room of five children.
