An individual who spiked sweets with sedative and gave them to youngsters at a summer program in the region has admitted sexual crimes against two boys both nine and 10.
The defendant was detained after eight minors and a grown-up experienced illness at the facility in the summer month.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he denied one particular crime he was accused of, which was involving a young boy.
The accused was remanded in custody ahead of a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, described Ruben's offending to the court.
She stated his those affected were under-privileged children who were staying at a summer camp which he ran.
Ruben engaged in a "treat game" with the children, the legal counsel explained, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to ingest treats "rapidly".
She told the court Ruben had played this game with the children "for many years", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the next day.
She said the man had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had worries in July 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "Recently" his stepson had concerns about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They decided to have a look in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor explained objects including infant oil, Vaseline and syringes were found, and his family member contacted the police about his concerns.
She said Ruben continued to play the "treat game" with six children that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the following morning.
"The police had not responded by that point," she added.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, previously told that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the events.
The prosecutor stated the minors were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so the stepson notified the law enforcement again.
She stated Ruben then engaged in the "sweet game" in a space of five minors.
