A man who contaminated sweets with sedative and provided them to children at a youth camp in the region has confessed to sexual offenses against two children who were nine and 10.
The accused was detained after eight children and one adult experienced illness at the facility in July.
The elderly man, from that region, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at the courthouse on the end of the week.
Yet, he disputed a single sexual charge he was facing, which was concerning a young boy.
The defendant was held in detention prior to a further hearing on late November.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, outlined the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She stated his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a summer camp which he ran.
The man played a "treat game" with the children, the legal counsel stated, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and ask them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had played this game with the young males "for many years", and minors had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She stated the man had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had suspicions in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "In the summer" his family member had suspicions about what was going on, justifiably.
"They chose" to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC stated objects including baby oil, ointment and syringes were found, and his stepson contacted the law enforcement about his worries.
She explained Ruben went on to engage in the "sweet game" with six youngsters that night - July 26th - and they were all sick the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that time," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
Mrs Prior explained the children were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so the family member contacted the authorities once more.
She stated the defendant then played the "treat game" in a area of five children.