A person who spiked sweets with sedative and gave them to youngsters at a summer camp in the region has confessed to sexual crimes against two children who were nine and 10.
The accused was taken into custody after eight children and one adult became sick at Stathern Lodge in July.
The 76-year-old, from that region, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at the judicial center on the end of the week.
However, he denied one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
The accused was kept in jail prior to a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, outlined the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She stated his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a youth camp which he operated.
Ruben conducted a "sweet game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and tell them to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had engaged in this activity with the children "repeatedly", and children had previously fallen ill the next day.
She said the man had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had worries in July 2025.
The prosecutor added: "In the summer" his stepchild had worries about what was going on, justifiably.
"They resolved" to examine in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor stated items including baby oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were located, and his family member notified the police about his suspicions.
She said Ruben proceeded to conduct the "sweet game" with six boys that night - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that point," she added.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
The prosecutor stated the minors were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson notified the police a second time.
She stated Ruben then played the "treat game" in a area of five minors.
