A man who laced treats with sleeping medication and provided them to youngsters at a youth camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two young males who were nine and ten years old.
The accused was detained after eight youngsters and an older person experienced illness at the location in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences 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 against a young boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody before a further hearing on November 28th.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, outlined the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She explained his victims were under-privileged children who were participating in a summer program which he managed.
The defendant engaged in a "candy game" with the minors, the legal counsel explained, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and request they to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She told the court the man had conducted this practice with the boys "over an extended period", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She stated Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had suspicions in summer 2025.
The prosecutor added: "This year his stepchild had suspicions about the situation, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to examine in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel explained materials including infant oil, petroleum jelly and syringes were found, and his stepson notified the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She said Ruben went on to conduct the "candy game" with six boys that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the following morning.
"The police had not responded by that time," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was examining the police response of the incident.
The prosecutor stated the minors were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the stepson notified the law enforcement once more.
She explained Ruben then played the "sweet game" in a space of five youngsters.
