A man who spiked sweets with tranquilliser and gave them to youngsters at a summer program in the region has admitted sexual offences against two children aged between nine and ten.
The accused was taken into custody after eight youngsters and one adult became sick at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from that region, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
Nevertheless, he denied a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was held in detention before a further hearing on 28 November.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, detailed Ruben's offending to the court.
She said his those affected were under-privileged children who were attending a youth camp which he operated.
The man engaged in a "candy game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel explained, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were settling down and request they to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had engaged in this activity with the boys "for many years", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She said the defendant had been able to explain this over a long period as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had concerns in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "Recently" his stepson had worries about the activities, justifiably.
"They resolved" to examine in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC explained materials including lubricant, petroleum jelly and medical needles were located, and his family member alerted the authorities about his suspicions.
She stated Ruben went on to conduct the "sweet game" with six children that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"The police had not responded by that stage," she added.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, previously told that it was examining the police response of the events.
Mrs Prior explained the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the family member called the authorities again.
She said Ruben then played the "treat game" in a area of five youngsters.
