A man who laced treats with sleeping medication and provided them to minors at a youth camp in the region has admitted sexual offenses against two children both nine and ten years old.
The defendant was arrested after eight children and an older person became sick at the facility in mid-summer.
The senior citizen, from that region, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
Yet, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was held in detention ahead of a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, outlined the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She stated his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a youth camp which he managed.
The defendant played a "sweet game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She told the court Ruben had played this game with the young males "for many years", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She explained the defendant had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had suspicions in July 2025.
The prosecutor added: "In the summer" his family member had concerns about what was going on, justifiably.
"They chose" to examine in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC explained items including lubricant, ointment and syringes were found, and his stepson notified the authorities about his suspicions.
She stated the defendant went on to conduct the "sweet game" with six children that time - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that point," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
The prosecutor explained the minors were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so the stepson notified the law enforcement once more.
She stated the defendant then played the "candy game" in a space of five children.
