An individual who spiked candy with tranquilliser and provided them to youngsters at a summer camp in the area has admitted sexual crimes against two children aged between nine and ten.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight youngsters and an older person became sick at the location in July.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he stood at the courthouse on Friday.
Nevertheless, he denied a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody ahead of a further hearing on 28 November.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, detailed the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She said his targets were under-privileged children who were attending a summer camp which he ran.
The man conducted a "sweet game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge Ruben had conducted this practice with the young males "for many years", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She said Ruben had been able to explain this over a long period as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had suspicions in summer 2025.
The legal representative continued: "Recently" his stepson had concerns about the situation, with valid cause.
"They chose" to investigate in the individual's items."
The prosecutor explained objects including baby oil, ointment and syringes were located, and his stepchild contacted the authorities about his concerns.
She said the defendant continued to engage in the "candy game" with six children that night - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"The police had not responded by that time," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
Mrs Prior explained the minors were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson contacted the police once more.
She stated the defendant then engaged in the "treat game" in a area of five youngsters.
