A man who spiked sweets with sleeping medication and provided them to youngsters at a youth camp in the area has admitted sexual crimes against two children both nine and ten years old.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight youngsters and one adult became sick at the facility in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from that region, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at the courthouse on Friday.
However, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was held in detention before a further hearing on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, described the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She stated his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a summer program which he operated.
The defendant conducted a "treat game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor said, 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 played this game with the young males "for many years", and children had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She said Ruben had been capable of justifying this for many years as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had concerns in summer 2025.
The prosecutor added: "Recently" his family member had suspicions about the activities, with valid cause.
"They decided to have a look in the individual's items."
The prosecutor stated materials including baby oil, Vaseline and injection devices were found, and his stepchild contacted the police about his concerns.
She said Ruben continued to play the "sweet game" with six children that time - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that time," she continued.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
Mrs Prior said the children were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson notified the police once more.
She said Ruben then engaged in the "treat game" in a space of five youngsters.
