A person who contaminated treats with sedative and gave them to minors at a youth camp in the region has admitted sexual offenses against two boys both between nine and ten.
The defendant was detained after eight minors and a grown-up experienced illness at the location in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he was present at the courthouse on the end of the week.
Yet, he disputed one particular crime he was facing, which was against a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was remanded in custody prior to a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, detailed Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She said his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a summer program which he operated.
The man engaged in a "treat game" with the minors, the legal counsel said, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to eat sweets "rapidly".
She told the court Ruben had played this game with the boys "repeatedly", and children had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She explained the defendant had been able to explain this for many years as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had concerns in July 2025.
The prosecutor stated further: "Recently" his stepchild had suspicions about the situation, for good reason.
"They resolved" to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor stated materials including infant oil, petroleum jelly and syringes were discovered, and his family member alerted the police about his worries.
She stated Ruben proceeded to engage in the "sweet game" with six boys that time - July 26th - and they were all sick the following morning.
"The police had not gone out by that point," she stated further.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
The prosecutor said the youngsters were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so the family member notified the police once more.
She stated the defendant then played the "candy game" in a room of five youngsters.
