An individual who contaminated candy with tranquilliser and gave them to youngsters at a summer camp in the area has confessed to sexual offenses against two boys aged between nine and ten.
The accused was detained after eight minors and a grown-up became sick at the facility in July.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at the courthouse on Friday.
Yet, he denied a single sexual charge he was facing, which was concerning a young boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody prior to a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, outlined the defendant's actions to the court.
She stated his victims were under-privileged children who were staying at a youth camp which he operated.
The defendant conducted a "treat game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor explained, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and request they to consume candy "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had conducted this practice with the young males "repeatedly", and children had previously become sick the next day.
She stated the man had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had worries in summer 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "Recently" his stepson had worries about the situation, for good reason.
"They decided to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC said items including infant oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were discovered, and his stepchild alerted the law enforcement about his worries.
She explained Ruben continued to play the "sweet game" with six boys that night - that Saturday - and they were all sick the following morning.
"Authorities" had not responded by that time," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
The legal representative said the children were struggling to walk due to their condition, so the family member contacted the authorities again.
She stated the defendant then played the "candy game" in a area of five children.
