An individual who contaminated sweets with tranquilliser and distributed them to children at a summer program in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two children both between nine and ten.
The defendant was detained after eight children and one adult became sick at the location in July.
The elderly man, from that region, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Yet, he denied one particular crime he was facing, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
The accused was remanded in custody before a subsequent court date on late November.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, detailed the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She said his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a youth camp which he ran.
Ruben conducted a "candy game" with the minors, Mrs Prior said, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings the man had played this game with the children "for many years", and youngsters had previously become sick the next day.
She said the man had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had suspicions in summer 2025.
The prosecutor added: "In the summer" his family member had concerns about the situation, for good reason.
"They resolved" to examine in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC explained items including infant oil, ointment and medical needles were found, and his family member notified the police about his concerns.
She said the man continued to conduct the "sweet game" with six children that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that time," she added.
The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was examining law enforcement's management of the situation.
The legal representative said the minors were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson called the police once more.
She said the defendant then conducted the "candy game" in a space of five youngsters.
