An individual who contaminated sweets with tranquilliser and provided them to children at a summer program in the region has admitted sexual offences against two young males both nine and ten years old.
The accused was taken into custody after eight children and a grown-up became sick at Stathern Lodge in July.
The senior citizen, from that region, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Yet, he refused to admit one particular crime he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was kept in jail ahead of a further hearing on late November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, detailed the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She stated his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a summer program which he managed.
Ruben conducted a "candy game" with the minors, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and ask them to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She told the court Ruben had played this game with the young males "over an extended period", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She stated the man had been able to explain this for many years as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had worries in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "Recently" his stepson had suspicions about the situation, with valid cause.
"They chose" to have a look in the individual's items."
The legal counsel stated materials including baby oil, Vaseline and medical needles were located, and his stepson alerted the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She said Ruben continued to engage in the "sweet game" with six youngsters that night - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that stage," she continued.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was examining law enforcement's management of the events.
The legal representative said the minors were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so the stepson contacted the police once more.
She explained the man then played the "treat game" in a room of five minors.
