A person who contaminated candy with sleeping medication and provided them to youngsters at a summer camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two young males who were nine and 10.
The accused was arrested after eight minors and a grown-up experienced illness at the facility in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he was present at the courthouse on the end of the week.
However, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was concerning a young boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody ahead of a additional proceeding on late November.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, detailed the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She said his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer program which he ran.
The defendant engaged in a "sweet game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior said, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the man had conducted this practice with the young males "repeatedly", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the next day.
She said Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had concerns in July 2025.
The prosecutor added: "This year his stepson had suspicions about the situation, with valid cause.
"They decided to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor explained items including lubricant, Vaseline and medical needles were discovered, and his stepchild alerted the authorities about his concerns.
She stated Ruben continued to engage in the "candy game" with six youngsters that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that time," she added.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
Mrs Prior explained the minors were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so the stepson contacted the authorities a second time.
She explained Ruben then engaged in the "sweet game" in a room of five youngsters.
