A man who laced treats with tranquilliser and gave them to youngsters at a summer camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two children who were between nine and ten.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight youngsters and a grown-up fell ill at Stathern Lodge in July.
The 76-year-old, from that region, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
Yet, he denied one particular crime he was charged with, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was held in detention before a subsequent court date on late November.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, detailed Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She explained his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a youth camp which he operated.
Ruben engaged in a "treat game" with the children, the prosecutor said, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were settling down and ask them to consume candy "rapidly".
She stated to the judge the man had conducted this practice with the boys "for many years", and minors had previously become sick the next day.
She stated Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had suspicions in recently.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "This year his stepchild had suspicions about the situation, justifiably.
"They decided to investigate in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel stated items including baby oil, petroleum jelly and injection devices were discovered, and his family member contacted the police about his suspicions.
She stated Ruben went on to engage in the "candy game" with six youngsters that night - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that point," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was examining law enforcement's management of the situation.
Mrs Prior stated the minors were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so the stepson contacted the police again.
She explained the man then played the "treat game" in a room of five minors.
