A person who laced sweets with tranquilliser and distributed them to children at a youth camp in the region has admitted sexual crimes against two young males who were nine and ten years old.
The defendant was detained after eight minors and one adult experienced illness at the location in July.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he was present at the courthouse on the end of the week.
However, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody prior to a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, outlined the defendant's actions to the court.
She said his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer camp which he operated.
Ruben played a "treat game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and ask them to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge the man had conducted this practice with the young males "over an extended period", and children had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She stated the man had been capable of justifying this repeatedly as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had concerns in summer 2025.
The legal representative continued: "This year his stepchild had concerns about the situation, justifiably.
"They decided to examine in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel said items including lubricant, ointment and medical needles were found, and his family member notified the law enforcement about his worries.
She stated Ruben proceeded to play the "sweet game" with six youngsters that night - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that stage," she added.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, had stated that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
The legal representative explained the youngsters were struggling to walk due to being ill, so the stepson notified the law enforcement again.
She stated the defendant then engaged in the "treat game" in a space of five children.
