An individual who contaminated treats with tranquilliser and gave them to children at a summer camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two young males both nine and ten years old.
The defendant was arrested after eight children and one adult experienced illness at the facility in mid-summer.
The senior citizen, from that region, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit one particular crime he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was kept in jail before a additional proceeding on late November.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, handling the case, outlined the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She stated his targets were under-privileged children who were staying at a youth camp which he managed.
Ruben engaged in a "sweet game" with the minors, the prosecutor stated, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to eat sweets "rapidly".
She stated to the judge the man had conducted this practice with the young males "repeatedly", and children had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She said the defendant had been able to explain this over a long period as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had suspicions in July 2025.
The prosecutor stated further: "Recently" his stepchild had concerns about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They chose" to investigate in the individual's items."
The legal counsel said materials including infant oil, Vaseline and medical needles were found, and his stepson notified the authorities about his concerns.
She explained Ruben went on to play the "treat game" with six children that evening - that Saturday - and they were all sick the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that time," she continued.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was investigating the police response of the incident.
The prosecutor said the minors were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the family member contacted the police again.
She stated Ruben then played the "sweet game" in a space of five children.
