A man who laced treats with tranquilliser and distributed them to youngsters at a summer program in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two young males who were nine and 10.
The accused was taken into custody after eight children and an older person became sick at the facility in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from that region, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
However, he refused to admit one particular crime he was facing, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was held in detention ahead of a subsequent court date on late November.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, outlined the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She said his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a youth camp which he ran.
Ruben engaged in a "treat game" with the children, the prosecutor explained, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to consume candy "rapidly".
She told the court the defendant had engaged in this activity with the boys "over an extended period", and children had previously become sick the following morning.
She stated the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had worries in recently.
The legal representative added: "Recently" his stepchild had concerns about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They decided to examine in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC stated items including baby oil, petroleum jelly and syringes were located, and his stepson contacted the police about his worries.
She explained the man proceeded to conduct the "candy game" with six children that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that point," she stated further.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, had stated that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
The legal representative said the minors were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson contacted the authorities a second time.
She said the man then played the "candy game" in a area of five minors.
