An individual who contaminated treats with tranquilliser and gave them to children at a summer program in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two boys who were nine and ten years old.
The defendant was arrested after eight minors and a grown-up became sick at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from that region, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at the courthouse on Friday.
However, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was against a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was kept in jail prior to a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, detailed the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She said his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a summer camp which he operated.
Ruben engaged in a "treat game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior said, in which he would go into the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and ask them to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had played this game with the children "for many years", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She said the defendant had been able to explain this over a long period as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had worries in summer 2025.
The legal representative added: "Recently" his stepchild had worries about the activities, for good reason.
"They resolved" to investigate in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC stated materials including lubricant, Vaseline and medical needles were found, and his stepson contacted the authorities about his concerns.
She said the man proceeded to conduct the "treat game" with six boys that night - that Saturday - and they were all ill the next day.
"The police had not responded by that time," she added.
The oversight body, the investigative body, had stated that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
The prosecutor said the minors were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the stepson called the police once more.
She stated the man then engaged in the "candy game" in a space of five minors.
