A man who contaminated candy with sedative and gave them to children at a summer camp in the area has admitted sexual offences against two young males both nine and ten years old.
The accused was detained after eight minors and a grown-up experienced illness at the location in the summer month.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at the judicial center on Friday.
Nevertheless, he disputed one particular crime he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was held in detention prior to a additional proceeding on late November.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, described the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She explained his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a summer program which he managed.
Ruben conducted a "treat game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior said, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and request they to eat sweets "rapidly".
She stated to the judge the defendant had engaged in this activity with the boys "over an extended period", and children had previously become sick the next day.
She stated the man had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had suspicions in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "In the summer" his family member had suspicions about what was going on, for good reason.
"They decided to examine in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor explained objects including lubricant, ointment and medical needles were discovered, and his stepson notified the police about his concerns.
She stated the defendant continued to play the "treat game" with six boys that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that point," she continued.
The oversight body, the investigative body, had stated that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
The legal representative said the minors were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the family member contacted the law enforcement again.
She said the defendant then conducted the "treat game" in a area of five youngsters.
