An individual who laced treats with tranquilliser and provided them to children at a summer program in the region has admitted sexual crimes against two boys who were nine and ten years old.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight minors and an older person experienced illness at the facility in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at the judicial center on Friday.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was held in detention before a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, outlined the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She said his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer camp which he operated.
Ruben played a "treat game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior said, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and request they to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had conducted this practice with the boys "for many years", and minors had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She explained the defendant had been able to explain this for many years as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had worries in July 2025.
The legal representative continued: "Recently" his stepchild had worries about what was going on, for good reason.
"They resolved" to investigate in the individual's items."
The prosecutor said materials including infant oil, petroleum jelly and injection devices were found, and his stepson alerted the authorities about his concerns.
She said Ruben proceeded to play the "treat game" with six youngsters that night - July 26th - and they were all sick the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that stage," she continued.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
The legal representative said the children were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so the stepson called the law enforcement a second time.
She explained Ruben then played the "sweet game" in a space of five youngsters.
