A man who laced treats with tranquilliser and gave them to children at a youth camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two boys aged nine and ten years old.
The accused was arrested after eight children and an older person fell ill at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from that region, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit one particular crime he was facing, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody before a further hearing on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, outlined Ruben's offending to the court.
She explained his victims were under-privileged children who were attending a youth camp which he operated.
The defendant played a "treat game" with the minors, Mrs Prior said, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and tell them to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge Ruben had played this game with the young males "over an extended period", and youngsters had previously become sick the next day.
She said the defendant had been able to explain this over a long period as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had suspicions in recently.
The prosecutor stated further: "This year his stepson had worries about the activities, with valid cause.
"They decided to have a look in the individual's items."
The legal counsel stated materials including infant oil, Vaseline and medical needles were located, and his stepchild notified the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She explained the defendant proceeded to engage in the "treat game" with six children that evening - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that stage," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, had stated that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
Mrs Prior explained the minors were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson notified the law enforcement again.
She said Ruben then conducted the "candy game" in a area of five minors.
