A person who contaminated sweets with tranquilliser and provided them to children at a summer program in the region has confessed to sexual crimes against two children aged nine and 10.
The defendant was arrested after eight children and one adult experienced illness at the facility in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from that region, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
However, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was involving a young boy.
The defendant was held in detention before a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, detailed the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She said his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a summer camp which he operated.
Ruben conducted a "treat game" with the children, the prosecutor explained, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and tell them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings the man had engaged in this activity with the children "over an extended period", and children had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She said Ruben had been able to explain this repeatedly as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had worries in summer 2025.
The legal representative added: "This year his stepson had suspicions about the situation, justifiably.
"They chose" to investigate in the individual's items."
The legal counsel stated materials including lubricant, ointment and medical needles were discovered, and his stepson notified the police about his suspicions.
She explained the defendant went on to engage in the "treat game" with six boys that evening - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that stage," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was examining the police response of the situation.
Mrs Prior said the minors were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the family member called the law enforcement again.
She explained the man then played the "sweet game" in a area of five children.
