An individual who spiked treats with sleeping medication and provided them to minors at a summer program in the area has confessed to sexual crimes against two boys who were between nine and ten.
The accused was arrested after eight children and one adult became sick at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from that region, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
However, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was involving a young boy.
The accused was remanded in custody before a further hearing on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, outlined the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She said his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a youth camp which he operated.
The defendant conducted a "sweet game" with the minors, the prosecutor stated, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and ask them to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge the defendant had played this game with the young males "repeatedly", and minors had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She said Ruben had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had worries in July 2025.
The prosecutor added: "This year his family member had worries about what was going on, justifiably.
"They chose" to investigate in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC stated materials including infant oil, Vaseline and syringes were discovered, and his stepson notified the authorities about his worries.
She explained Ruben went on to play the "candy game" with six youngsters that evening - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"The police had not responded by that stage," she stated further.
The oversight body, the investigative body, previously told that it was examining the police response of the events.
Mrs Prior stated the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson notified the law enforcement a second time.
She explained the defendant then played the "treat game" in a room of five minors.
