A man who laced candy with tranquilliser and gave them to children at a summer program in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two boys aged nine and 10.
The defendant was arrested after eight youngsters and a grown-up fell ill at the facility in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at the judicial center on Friday.
Yet, he refused to admit one particular crime he was charged with, which was against a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was kept in jail prior to a further hearing on 28 November.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, described the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She stated his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a youth camp which he ran.
The man conducted a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel said, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and request they to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She told the court Ruben had conducted this practice with the children "repeatedly", and minors had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She stated Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had suspicions in July 2025.
The prosecutor stated further: "In the summer" his family member had worries about what was going on, justifiably.
"They resolved" to examine in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC explained items including baby oil, Vaseline and syringes were located, and his stepson alerted the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She explained the man continued to conduct the "treat game" with six youngsters that night - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"The police had not gone out by that point," she stated further.
The oversight body, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
The prosecutor stated the youngsters were struggling to walk due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson called the authorities once more.
She stated the man then conducted the "treat game" in a room of five youngsters.
