An individual who laced sweets with sedative and gave them to children at a youth camp in the region has admitted sexual crimes against two young males aged nine and ten years old.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight minors and one adult fell ill at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from that region, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was held in detention ahead of a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, outlined the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She explained his targets were under-privileged children who were participating in a summer program which he operated.
Ruben conducted a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel stated, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and request they to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge Ruben had played this game with the young males "for many years", and youngsters had previously become sick the following morning.
She stated the man had been capable of justifying this for many years as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had concerns in recently.
The legal representative added: "In the summer" his stepson had suspicions about what was going on, justifiably.
"They resolved" to examine in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel explained materials including baby oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were located, and his stepson notified the police about his suspicions.
She stated the man continued to conduct the "candy game" with six boys that night - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"The police had not responded by that point," she continued.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was investigating the police response of the incident.
The legal representative explained the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so the family member notified the authorities a second time.
She stated the man then conducted the "treat game" in a room of five children.
