A man who spiked candy with tranquilliser and provided them to minors at a youth camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two boys who were between nine and ten.
The accused was arrested after eight children and an older person became sick at the facility in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at the courthouse on the end of the week.
Yet, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was held in detention ahead of a additional proceeding on late November.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, described the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She said his targets were under-privileged children who were staying at a youth camp which he operated.
The defendant engaged in a "candy game" with the children, the prosecutor stated, in which he would go into the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She told the court the man had played this game with the children "over an extended period", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She explained the defendant had been able to explain this for many years as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had concerns in July 2025.
The legal representative added: "In the summer" his family member had concerns about the situation, for good reason.
"They decided to investigate in the individual's items."
The legal counsel stated objects including lubricant, ointment and injection devices were discovered, and his stepson alerted the police about his suspicions.
She stated Ruben proceeded to conduct the "sweet game" with six youngsters that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that time," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, had stated that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
The prosecutor said the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson called the law enforcement a second time.
She said the man then played the "sweet game" in a area of five minors.
