An individual who spiked candy with sedative and gave them to minors at a summer program in the region has confessed to sexual offences against two children both nine and 10.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight minors and an older person became sick at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from that region, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
However, he refused to admit one particular crime he was facing, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
The accused was remanded in custody ahead of a further hearing on late November.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, outlined the defendant's actions to the court.
She explained his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a youth camp which he operated.
Ruben engaged in a "treat game" with the minors, the prosecutor said, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had played this game with the young males "over an extended period", and minors had previously fallen ill the next day.
She explained the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had concerns in recently.
The legal representative added: "Recently" his family member had concerns about the activities, justifiably.
"They decided to have a look in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC stated materials including infant oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were located, and his stepson alerted the law enforcement about his concerns.
She stated the man continued to conduct the "candy game" with six children that evening - that Saturday - and they were all sick the following morning.
"The police had not gone out by that time," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the incident.
The legal representative explained the minors were struggling to walk due to their condition, so the family member notified the authorities a second time.
She said the defendant then engaged in the "sweet game" in a space of five children.
