A man who contaminated treats with sedative and provided them to youngsters at a summer program in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two children both nine and 10.
The accused was taken into custody after eight children and a grown-up became sick at the location in July.
The 76-year-old, from that region, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
However, he denied one particular crime he was facing, which was concerning a young boy.
Ruben was held in detention ahead of a further hearing on late November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, outlined the defendant's actions to the court.
She explained his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a youth camp which he managed.
Ruben engaged in a "treat game" with the minors, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to consume candy "rapidly".
She told the court Ruben had played this game with the young males "repeatedly", and minors had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She said the man had been able to explain this over a long period as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had concerns in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "In the summer" his stepson had worries about the situation, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to examine in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC explained items including infant oil, ointment and medical needles were located, and his stepchild alerted the police about his worries.
She said Ruben continued to play the "treat game" with six boys that evening - that Saturday - and they were all sick the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that point," she added.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, previously told that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
The legal representative explained the children were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so the stepson called the police once more.
She explained Ruben then played the "candy game" in a room of five children.
