A person who laced treats with sedative and provided them to children at a summer program in the area has confessed to sexual offenses against two young males who were nine and 10.
The accused was arrested after eight youngsters and an older person fell ill at the facility in July.
The 76-year-old, from that region, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Yet, he denied one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was kept in jail before a further hearing on late November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, detailed Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She explained his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a youth camp which he managed.
Ruben conducted a "sweet game" with the minors, the prosecutor explained, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and request they to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She told the court Ruben had conducted this practice with the boys "for many years", and children had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She said the man had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had concerns in summer 2025.
The legal representative continued: "This year his stepchild had concerns about what was going on, for good reason.
"They chose" to examine in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel stated objects including baby oil, ointment and injection devices were located, and his stepchild notified the authorities about his suspicions.
She explained the defendant went on to play the "candy game" with six boys that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the next day.
"The police had not responded by that time," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the situation.
The prosecutor explained the children were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so the stepson contacted the law enforcement once more.
She stated the defendant then conducted the "sweet game" in a room of five minors.
