An individual who spiked sweets with tranquilliser and gave them to youngsters at a youth camp in the region has confessed to sexual offences against two young males who were nine and 10.
The accused was arrested after eight minors and a grown-up became sick at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from that region, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
However, he disputed a single sexual charge he was facing, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was kept in jail before a further hearing on November 28th.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, detailed the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She explained his those affected were under-privileged children who were participating in a summer program which he operated.
The man played a "treat game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel said, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to ingest treats "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings the man had played this game with the children "over an extended period", and youngsters had previously become sick the next day.
She explained Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had suspicions in July 2025.
The prosecutor added: "In the summer" his stepson had worries about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to have a look in the individual's items."
The prosecutor stated items including lubricant, Vaseline and injection devices were discovered, and his stepchild alerted the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She explained the defendant continued to engage in the "candy game" with six boys that evening - that Saturday - and they were all ill the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that stage," she stated further.
The oversight body, the investigative body, had stated that it was reviewing the police response of the incident.
The legal representative stated the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the family member called the police again.
She stated the man then engaged in the "treat game" in a room of five minors.
