A man who laced candy with sleeping medication and distributed them to children at a youth camp in the region has admitted sexual offenses against two young males both nine and 10.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight children and a grown-up became sick at the facility in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from that region, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he was present at the courthouse on the end of the week.
However, he denied one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was concerning a young boy.
Ruben was held in detention ahead of a further hearing on 28 November.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, outlined the criminal behavior to the court.
She said his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a youth camp which he ran.
Ruben played a "candy game" with the minors, the prosecutor stated, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the man had conducted this practice with the young males "over an extended period", and minors had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She said the man had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had concerns in recently.
The legal representative stated further: "In the summer" his stepchild had concerns about the situation, with valid cause.
"They chose" to examine in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC stated objects including infant oil, Vaseline and injection devices were found, and his stepchild alerted the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She said the defendant went on to play the "treat 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 oversight body, the police conduct office, had stated that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
The prosecutor stated the minors were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the family member notified the police once more.
She stated the defendant then conducted the "sweet game" in a area of five youngsters.
