An individual who laced treats with sedative and distributed them to children at a summer camp in the area has confessed to sexual crimes against two children both between nine and ten.
The accused was arrested after eight youngsters and a grown-up became sick at the facility in July.
The senior citizen, from that region, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Nevertheless, he denied one particular crime he was charged with, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was held in detention prior to a additional proceeding on late November.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, described the defendant's actions to the court.
She stated his victims were under-privileged children who were attending a summer camp which he operated.
The defendant played a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor stated, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to ingest treats "rapidly".
She stated to the judge Ruben had played this game with the children "for many years", and children had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She explained the man had been able to explain this over a long period as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had suspicions in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "Recently" his family member had suspicions about what was going on, justifiably.
"They decided to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC explained items including infant oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were discovered, and his stepson notified the law enforcement about his worries.
She said the man proceeded to engage in the "candy game" with six children that night - that Saturday - and they were all ill the following morning.
"Authorities" had not responded by that point," she continued.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
The legal representative explained the minors were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson called the police once more.
She said the man then engaged in the "sweet game" in a room of five youngsters.
