A man who contaminated treats with tranquilliser and distributed them to youngsters at a youth camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two children aged nine and 10.
The accused was arrested after eight minors and an older person experienced illness at the location in July.
The 76-year-old, from that region, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
However, he denied a single sexual charge he was facing, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
The accused was kept in jail ahead of a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, detailed Ruben's offending to the court.
She explained his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a summer program which he operated.
Ruben played a "treat game" with the minors, the prosecutor explained, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the man had engaged in this activity with the children "repeatedly", and children had previously become sick the next day.
She explained the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had suspicions in summer 2025.
The prosecutor added: "Recently" his stepson had suspicions about the activities, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to have a look in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel stated materials including baby oil, Vaseline and medical needles were located, and his family member alerted the law enforcement about his worries.
She stated the defendant proceeded to play the "sweet game" with six youngsters that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"The police had not responded by that time," she continued.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, had stated that it was investigating the police response of the events.
The prosecutor said the minors were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so the family member called the authorities again.
She stated the man then conducted the "sweet game" in a space of five youngsters.
