A person who spiked treats with sleeping medication and distributed them to youngsters at a summer camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two young males who were nine and ten years old.
The defendant was detained after eight youngsters and one adult became sick at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from that region, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
However, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was held in detention before a subsequent court date on late November.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, outlined Ruben's offending to the court.
She explained his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a youth camp which he managed.
Ruben played a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel stated, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had engaged in this activity with the boys "repeatedly", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She stated the defendant had been able to explain this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had worries in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "This year his stepson had suspicions about the activities, justifiably.
"They chose" to examine in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor explained items including infant oil, petroleum jelly and syringes were found, and his stepson contacted the police about his concerns.
She stated the defendant continued to conduct the "candy game" with six children that time - that Saturday - and they were all ill the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that point," she added.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, previously told that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
The legal representative said the minors were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the family member notified the authorities again.
She explained the defendant then conducted the "candy game" in a area of five minors.
