A man who contaminated treats with sedative and gave them to youngsters at a youth camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two children aged between nine and ten.
The defendant was arrested after eight minors and a grown-up experienced illness at the location in July.
The senior citizen, from that region, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
Yet, he disputed one particular crime he was accused of, which was against a young boy.
The defendant was kept in jail ahead of a additional proceeding on late November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, described the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She stated his targets were under-privileged children who were staying at a summer program which he operated.
The defendant conducted a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor said, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and request they to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She told the court Ruben had conducted this practice with the young males "over an extended period", and minors had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She explained the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had suspicions in summer 2025.
The legal representative continued: "This year his stepchild had worries about the activities, justifiably.
"They decided to have a look in the individual's items."
The legal counsel stated objects including lubricant, ointment and syringes were located, and his stepson alerted the police about his concerns.
She stated the defendant went on to engage in the "sweet game" with six boys that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the next day.
"The police had not responded by that point," she stated further.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, previously told that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
Mrs Prior said the minors were struggling to walk due to being ill, so the family member notified the law enforcement again.
She stated the man then engaged in the "candy game" in a area of five youngsters.
