A man who laced candy with sleeping medication and provided them to youngsters at a youth camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two boys both nine and ten years old.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight youngsters and an older person became sick at the facility in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from that region, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was facing, which was involving a young boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody before a further hearing on 28 November.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, outlined the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She stated his targets were under-privileged children who were staying at a youth camp which he operated.
Ruben played a "treat game" with the children, the prosecutor said, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were settling down and ask them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge Ruben had played this game with the young males "for many years", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She said the defendant had been able to explain this repeatedly as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had concerns in recently.
The prosecutor stated further: "This year his stepchild had worries about the situation, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor stated objects including infant oil, ointment and injection devices were found, and his family member notified the authorities about his worries.
She stated Ruben continued to play the "candy game" with six children that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that stage," she continued.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, had stated that it was examining the police response of the situation.
Mrs Prior said the minors were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the family member contacted the law enforcement once more.
She said the man then engaged in the "sweet game" in a space of five children.