A person who contaminated candy with sleeping medication and provided them to youngsters at a summer program in the area has confessed to sexual crimes against two boys both between nine and ten.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight minors and one adult experienced illness at the location in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from that region, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
However, he denied one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was against a young boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody prior to a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, outlined Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She explained his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a youth camp which he ran.
The defendant played a "treat game" with the children, the prosecutor said, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were settling down and ask them to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She told the court the defendant had engaged in this activity with the boys "repeatedly", and minors had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She stated the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had concerns in summer 2025.
The legal representative continued: "Recently" his family member had concerns about the activities, with valid cause.
"They chose" to examine in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC explained materials including baby oil, ointment and medical needles were discovered, and his family member contacted the authorities about his worries.
She said Ruben went on to conduct the "candy game" with six children that evening - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that time," she stated further.
The oversight body, the investigative body, had stated that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the incident.
The legal representative stated the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so the family member contacted the authorities a second time.
She stated the man then engaged in the "candy game" in a area of five youngsters.
