A man who spiked candy with tranquilliser and gave them to youngsters at a summer camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two young males both nine and 10.
The defendant was detained after eight children and a grown-up became sick at the facility in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was facing, which was concerning a young boy.
The accused was remanded in custody ahead of a additional proceeding on late November.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, outlined the criminal behavior to the court.
She explained his those affected were under-privileged children who were participating in a youth camp which he operated.
Ruben conducted a "candy game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel explained, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and request they to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge Ruben had engaged in this activity with the children "over an extended period", and children had previously fallen ill the next day.
She said the defendant had been capable of justifying this for many years as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had concerns in summer 2025.
The prosecutor added: "This year his family member had worries about the activities, for good reason.
"They resolved" to have a look in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor said objects including infant oil, petroleum jelly and syringes were found, and his family member notified the police about his suspicions.
She explained the defendant went on to engage in the "sweet game" with six boys that time - that Saturday - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"The police had not gone out by that stage," she added.
The oversight body, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was examining the police response of the events.
The legal representative explained the children were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the family member contacted the law enforcement once more.
She said the man then engaged in the "candy game" in a space of five children.
