A man who laced sweets with sleeping medication and distributed them to minors at a youth camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two boys both between nine and ten.
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, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
Yet, he disputed one particular crime he was charged with, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was kept in jail ahead of a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, detailed Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She stated his those affected were under-privileged children who were participating in a youth camp which he operated.
The defendant conducted a "candy game" with the minors, the legal counsel said, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She told the court Ruben had played this game with the boys "for many years", and minors had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She said Ruben had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had suspicions in summer 2025.
The prosecutor stated further: "In the summer" his stepson had concerns about the situation, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to investigate in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC explained materials including infant oil, petroleum jelly and syringes were found, and his stepson contacted the authorities about his concerns.
She explained the man proceeded to engage in the "sweet game" with six children that night - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Authorities" had not responded by that point," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, previously told that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
Mrs Prior stated the children were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson notified the authorities again.
She explained the defendant then engaged in the "sweet game" in a area of five youngsters.
