A person who laced candy with tranquilliser and gave them to youngsters at a summer camp in the area has confessed to sexual offences against two children aged between nine and ten.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight children and a grown-up fell ill at Stathern Lodge in July.
The senior citizen, from that region, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at the courthouse on Friday.
Nevertheless, he denied one particular crime he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was held in detention before a further hearing on late November.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, detailed the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She explained his those affected were under-privileged children who were attending a youth camp which he ran.
Ruben played a "treat game" with the minors, the legal counsel explained, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and request they to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the man had conducted this practice with the boys "over an extended period", and minors had previously fallen ill the next day.
She explained Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had concerns in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "In the summer" his family member had worries about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel said materials including infant oil, ointment and medical needles were located, and his stepson alerted the law enforcement about his worries.
She stated the man continued to play the "treat game" with six children that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that stage," she added.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
The prosecutor explained the children were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so the stepson contacted the authorities a second time.
She explained Ruben then conducted the "treat game" in a space of five children.
