A person who contaminated treats with sedative and gave them to minors at a youth camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two young males aged between nine and ten.
The accused was taken into custody after eight minors and an older person experienced illness at the location in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he was present at the judicial center on the end of the week.
However, he denied one particular crime he was charged with, which was against a young boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody prior to a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, detailed Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She said his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a summer program which he operated.
Ruben played a "candy game" with the minors, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge Ruben had engaged in this activity with the boys "over an extended period", and children had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She said the man had been capable of justifying this for many years as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had worries in July 2025.
The prosecutor stated further: "Recently" his stepson had concerns about the activities, for good reason.
"They chose" to investigate in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC stated materials including baby oil, ointment and syringes were found, and his stepson notified the police about his concerns.
She stated Ruben continued to conduct the "candy game" with six children that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that point," she stated further.
The oversight body, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
The legal representative said the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson contacted the authorities a second time.
She said Ruben then played the "sweet game" in a space of five youngsters.
