A person who contaminated sweets with tranquilliser and distributed them to children at a summer program in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two young males both between nine and ten.
The accused was arrested after eight minors and a grown-up became sick at the location in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was involving a young boy.
The defendant was kept in jail before a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, described Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She explained his those affected were under-privileged children who were staying at a youth camp which he managed.
The man conducted a "treat game" with the children, the legal counsel said, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had played this game with the children "repeatedly", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the next day.
She stated the man had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had concerns in summer 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "This year his family member had suspicions about the situation, for good reason.
"They decided to have a look in the individual's items."
The prosecutor stated objects including infant oil, petroleum jelly and syringes were found, and his stepson notified the authorities about his worries.
She said Ruben went on to play the "sweet game" with six boys that evening - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that point," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
The legal representative stated the children were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so the family member contacted the authorities again.
She said the man then conducted the "candy game" in a area of five youngsters.
