A man who contaminated candy with sedative and distributed them to children at a youth camp in the region has admitted sexual offences against two young males aged nine and 10.
The defendant was detained after eight minors and a grown-up became sick at the facility in mid-summer.
The senior citizen, from that region, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
Nevertheless, he disputed one particular crime he was facing, which was concerning a young boy.
The accused was remanded in custody prior to a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, detailed the defendant's actions to the court.
She explained his those affected were under-privileged children who were participating in a youth camp which he managed.
The defendant engaged in a "treat game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel said, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and ask them to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had engaged in this activity with the boys "for many years", and minors had previously fallen ill the next day.
She stated Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had suspicions in summer 2025.
The prosecutor added: "This year his family member had concerns about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They chose" to investigate in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel stated items including lubricant, Vaseline and medical needles were located, and his stepson notified the police about his worries.
She stated the defendant proceeded to play the "treat game" with six boys that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that time," she stated further.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
The legal representative stated the minors were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so the stepson called the police once more.
She stated the defendant then played the "sweet game" in a room of five youngsters.
