A man who laced sweets with sedative and gave them to youngsters at a youth camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two boys aged nine and 10.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight children and an older person became sick at Stathern Lodge in July.
The elderly man, from that region, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at the courthouse on the end of the week.
However, he disputed one particular crime he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody before a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, detailed the criminal behavior to the court.
She said his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a youth camp which he managed.
The defendant engaged in a "candy game" with the children, Mrs Prior said, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to eat sweets "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had conducted this practice with the boys "for many years", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She said the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had worries in July 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "Recently" his family member had suspicions about the situation, with valid cause.
"They chose" to examine in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC explained items including infant oil, ointment and injection devices were found, and his family member contacted the authorities about his worries.
She said Ruben went on to engage in the "candy game" with six youngsters that evening - July 26th - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that point," she stated further.
The oversight body, the investigative body, had stated that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
Mrs Prior stated the minors were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson notified the law enforcement a second time.
She said Ruben then engaged in the "candy game" in a area of five children.
