A person who spiked candy with sleeping medication and distributed them to children at a summer program in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two young males both between nine and ten.
The defendant was detained after eight children and one adult experienced illness at the facility in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he was present at the judicial center on recently.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit one particular crime he was facing, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody prior to a further hearing on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, detailed the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She explained his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer camp which he operated.
The man engaged in a "sweet game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and request they to eat sweets "rapidly".
She told the court Ruben had played this game with the young males "for many years", and minors had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She stated the defendant had been able to explain this for many years as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had worries in July 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "In the summer" his stepson had suspicions about the activities, for good reason.
"They chose" to investigate in the individual's items."
The legal counsel stated objects including lubricant, petroleum jelly and injection devices were located, and his stepchild contacted the law enforcement about his concerns.
She explained Ruben continued to conduct the "candy game" with six boys that evening - July 26th - and they were all ill the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that point," she added.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, previously told that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
The prosecutor said the children were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson notified the authorities again.
She explained Ruben then conducted the "treat game" in a space of five children.
