A person who laced sweets with tranquilliser and gave them to youngsters at a summer program in the area has confessed to sexual crimes against two young males aged between nine and ten.
The defendant was arrested after eight minors and an older person experienced illness at the facility in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he was present at the judicial center on recently.
Yet, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was against a young boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody ahead of a additional proceeding on late November.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, outlined the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She said his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a youth camp which he operated.
The defendant conducted a "treat game" with the children, the legal counsel explained, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She told the court Ruben had played this game with the boys "repeatedly", and minors had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She said the man had been able to explain this over a long period as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had suspicions in summer 2025.
The prosecutor stated further: "This year his stepson had worries about the situation, with valid cause.
"They chose" to have a look in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel explained materials including lubricant, ointment and injection devices were found, and his stepson alerted the authorities about his suspicions.
She explained the man continued to conduct the "sweet game" with six boys that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the following morning.
"The police had not arrived by that time," she added.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, had stated that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
Mrs Prior said the children were struggling to walk due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson contacted the authorities once more.
She explained the defendant then played the "candy game" in a area of five youngsters.
