A man who spiked sweets with sleeping medication and gave them to youngsters at a summer camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two boys aged between nine and ten.
The defendant was detained after eight children and one adult experienced illness at the location in July.
The 76-year-old, from that region, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at the judicial center on the end of the week.
However, he disputed one particular crime he was accused of, which was against a young boy.
The accused was held in detention ahead of a further hearing on November 28th.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, outlined Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She stated his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a summer program which he ran.
Ruben conducted a "treat game" with the minors, Mrs Prior said, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and request they to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had conducted this practice with the children "repeatedly", and children had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She explained Ruben had been capable of justifying this repeatedly as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had suspicions in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "In the summer" his stepchild had concerns about the activities, justifiably.
"They resolved" to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC stated materials including lubricant, ointment and injection devices were discovered, and his stepchild notified the police about his suspicions.
She stated the defendant proceeded to engage in the "treat game" with six children that night - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that point," she added.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
The legal representative stated the children were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson notified the police again.
She said the defendant then conducted the "sweet game" in a space of five children.
