A man who laced treats with tranquilliser and distributed them to minors at a summer program in the region has admitted sexual offences against two children who were nine and 10.
The defendant was arrested after eight children and one adult experienced illness at the location in July.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at the courthouse on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he denied one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody ahead of a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, described the defendant's actions to the court.
She stated his victims were under-privileged children who were staying at a summer camp which he ran.
Ruben engaged in a "candy game" with the minors, the prosecutor stated, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and ask them to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had played this game with the young males "repeatedly", and children had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She said the man had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had suspicions in July 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "Recently" his stepchild had worries about what was going on, for good reason.
"They decided to investigate in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC said items including lubricant, petroleum jelly and injection devices were located, and his stepchild notified the police about his worries.
She said the defendant continued to conduct the "treat game" with six youngsters that time - July 26th - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"The police had not arrived by that stage," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, had stated that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
The legal representative said the minors were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson notified the police once more.
She explained the man then conducted the "treat game" in a space of five children.
