A person who spiked sweets with tranquilliser and gave them to youngsters at a summer program in the region has confessed to sexual offenses against two boys aged between nine and ten.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight children and an older person fell ill at the location in the summer month.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he stood at the courthouse on Friday.
Yet, he disputed a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was remanded in custody before a further hearing on late November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, detailed Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She explained his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a youth camp which he managed.
The defendant engaged in a "treat game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and request they to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the defendant had conducted this practice with the young males "for many years", and minors had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She stated the defendant had been capable of justifying this repeatedly as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had concerns in July 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "This year his stepchild had suspicions about the activities, with valid cause.
"They decided to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor stated items including baby oil, ointment and syringes were discovered, and his stepson contacted the law enforcement about his concerns.
She said Ruben continued to play the "candy game" with six youngsters that time - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that time," she stated further.
The oversight body, the investigative body, previously told that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
Mrs Prior explained the youngsters were struggling to walk due to their condition, so the family member notified the authorities once more.
She stated the defendant then engaged in the "candy game" in a space of five youngsters.
