An individual who spiked sweets with sleeping medication and distributed them to minors at a summer camp in the area has confessed to sexual crimes against two children aged between nine and ten.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight youngsters and one adult experienced illness at the facility in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at the courthouse on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he denied a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was against a young boy.
The defendant was held in detention prior to a subsequent court date on late November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, outlined the defendant's actions to the court.
She stated his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a youth camp which he managed.
Ruben played a "treat game" with the children, the legal counsel stated, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and request they to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge the defendant had engaged in this activity with the boys "for many years", and minors had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She stated the man had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had concerns in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "Recently" his stepchild had worries about the activities, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to have a look in the individual's items."
The prosecutor said materials including baby oil, ointment and medical needles were found, and his stepson contacted the law enforcement about his concerns.
She stated the man went on to play the "treat game" with six youngsters that evening - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that point," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, had stated that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
The legal representative stated the minors were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the family member notified the police once more.
She stated the man then played the "sweet game" in a area of five children.
