A man who spiked candy with sedative and gave them to minors at a youth camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two children aged between nine and ten.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight youngsters and one adult experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in July.
The 76-year-old, from that region, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was held in detention before a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, detailed the defendant's actions to the court.
She explained his targets were under-privileged children who were staying at a summer program which he managed.
The defendant conducted a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel said, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She told the court the defendant had engaged in this activity with the boys "over an extended period", and children had previously become sick the following morning.
She said Ruben had been able to explain this over a long period as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had worries in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "This year his stepson had suspicions about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They decided to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel explained objects including baby oil, ointment and syringes were discovered, and his family member contacted the police about his worries.
She explained the defendant went on to engage in the "sweet game" with six youngsters that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that stage," she continued.
The oversight body, the investigative body, previously told that it was investigating the police response of the situation.
Mrs Prior explained the youngsters were struggling to walk due to their condition, so the stepson called the police a second time.
She explained Ruben then played the "sweet game" in a space of five minors.
