A man who spiked sweets with sedative and provided them to children at a youth camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two boys who were between nine and ten.
The defendant was detained after eight minors and an older person fell ill at the facility in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he was present at the judicial center on Friday.
Yet, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody ahead of a further hearing on late November.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, detailed the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She stated his those affected were under-privileged children who were attending a summer program which he managed.
Ruben played a "sweet game" with the children, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to consume candy "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had played this game with the young males "over an extended period", and minors had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She said the man had been able to explain this over a long period as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had worries in July 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "Recently" his stepchild had worries about what was going on, justifiably.
"They resolved" to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor said items including infant oil, ointment and medical needles were found, and his family member notified the law enforcement about his concerns.
She explained Ruben continued to play the "sweet game" with six children that night - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that stage," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
Mrs Prior stated the youngsters were struggling to walk due to their condition, so the stepson called the authorities once more.
She stated the man then played the "treat game" in a area of five youngsters.
