An individual who laced sweets with sleeping medication and distributed them to children at a summer camp in the area has confessed to sexual offenses against two young males both between nine and ten.
The accused was arrested after eight youngsters and one adult became sick at the facility in mid-summer.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a series of 17 offences 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 against a young boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody before a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, outlined Ruben's offending to the court.
She stated his those affected were under-privileged children who were staying at a summer program which he managed.
Ruben conducted a "candy game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior said, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the man had played this game with the boys "repeatedly", and minors had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She said the man had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had concerns in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "In the summer" his stepson had concerns about the situation, with valid cause.
"They chose" to examine in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC stated materials including infant oil, Vaseline and medical needles were located, and his family member notified the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She explained Ruben proceeded to engage in the "sweet game" with six boys that evening - that Saturday - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that time," she continued.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, had stated that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
The legal representative said the youngsters were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so the stepson notified the police once more.
She stated the defendant then played the "candy game" in a room of five minors.
