An individual who contaminated sweets with tranquilliser and distributed them to youngsters at a youth camp in the region has admitted sexual offences 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 mid-summer.
The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at the courthouse on Friday.
Yet, he denied one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was against a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was remanded in custody before a further hearing on late November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, outlined Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She stated his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer program which he ran.
Ruben played a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor explained, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and request they to ingest treats "rapidly".
She stated to the judge the defendant had played this game with the young males "repeatedly", and children had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She stated the defendant had been capable of justifying this repeatedly as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had worries in summer 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "In the summer" his stepson had worries about the situation, for good reason.
"They resolved" to investigate in the individual's items."
The legal counsel explained materials including lubricant, petroleum jelly and syringes were discovered, and his stepchild alerted the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She said the man went on to engage in the "sweet game" with six youngsters that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Authorities" had not responded by that stage," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
The legal representative stated the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so the family member called the authorities a second time.
She stated the man then played the "candy game" in a space of five children.
