An individual who spiked treats with sleeping medication and distributed them to children at a summer program in the region has admitted sexual offenses against two young males aged nine and ten years old.
The defendant was arrested after eight minors and a grown-up fell ill at the location in the summer month.
The elderly man, from that region, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Yet, he disputed one particular crime he was accused of, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
The accused was remanded in custody ahead of a subsequent court date on late November.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, outlined the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She stated his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a youth camp which he managed.
The defendant engaged in a "sweet game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would go into the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to eat sweets "rapidly".
She told the court Ruben had engaged in this activity with the children "for many years", and children had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She explained the man had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had suspicions in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "Recently" his stepson had worries about the activities, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to have a look in the individual's items."
The legal counsel explained objects including baby oil, Vaseline and syringes were discovered, and his stepchild notified the police about his worries.
She explained the defendant proceeded to play the "treat game" with six youngsters that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that point," she continued.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
The prosecutor said the minors were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson notified the police again.
She stated the man then played the "treat game" in a room of five youngsters.
