A person who contaminated sweets with sedative and gave them to children at a youth camp in the region has admitted sexual crimes against two young males who were between nine and ten.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight minors and one adult experienced illness at the facility in July.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he stood at the courthouse on recently.
Yet, he denied one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was held in detention prior to a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, detailed the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She explained his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer camp which he managed.
Ruben engaged in a "sweet game" with the minors, the prosecutor stated, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were settling down and ask them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had conducted this practice with the young males "over an extended period", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She stated the man had been able to explain this over a long period as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had worries in summer 2025.
The prosecutor stated further: "Recently" his stepson had concerns about the situation, with valid cause.
"They chose" to have a look in the individual's items."
The prosecutor stated materials including lubricant, petroleum jelly and injection devices were found, and his family member alerted the police about his concerns.
She stated the man continued to play the "candy game" with six youngsters that evening - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that time," she added.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, previously told that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
The prosecutor explained the children were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so the family member contacted the police a second time.
She stated the man then conducted the "sweet game" in a space of five children.
