An individual who contaminated sweets with tranquilliser and gave them to children at a summer camp in the area has admitted sexual offenses against two boys who were nine and ten years old.
The accused was arrested after eight youngsters and an older person fell ill at the location in mid-summer.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he was present at the courthouse on the end of the week.
Yet, he denied a single sexual charge he was facing, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was remanded in custody prior to a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, outlined Ruben's offending to the court.
She stated his those affected were under-privileged children who were participating in a summer program which he operated.
The man conducted a "sweet game" with the minors, the prosecutor stated, in which he would access 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 defendant had engaged in this activity with the young males "for many years", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She stated the defendant had been capable of justifying this for many years as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had suspicions in summer 2025.
The legal representative added: "This year his family member had worries about the situation, justifiably.
"They decided to examine in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC explained materials including infant oil, Vaseline and injection devices were discovered, and his family member contacted the authorities about his concerns.
She stated Ruben continued to conduct the "sweet game" with six children that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that time," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, previously told that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
The legal representative stated the minors were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson notified the law enforcement a second time.
She stated the man then conducted the "candy game" in a room of five children.
