A man who laced treats with tranquilliser and distributed them to children at a summer camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two boys both nine and 10.
The defendant was arrested after eight minors and an older person became sick at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The senior citizen, from that region, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
Yet, he denied a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody before a further hearing on late November.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, described the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She explained his targets were under-privileged children who were participating in a summer camp which he ran.
Ruben conducted a "sweet game" with the children, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had played this game with the children "for many years", and children had previously become sick the following morning.
She stated the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had worries in summer 2025.
The legal representative continued: "Recently" his family member 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 infant oil, ointment and syringes were located, and his stepson notified the authorities about his suspicions.
She said Ruben went on to engage in the "treat game" with six youngsters that night - July 26th - and they were all ill the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that point," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
The legal representative said the children were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the family member notified the police again.
She said the man then played the "sweet game" in a area of five minors.
