An individual who laced treats with sedative and provided them to minors at a youth camp in the region has admitted sexual crimes against two young males both nine and ten years old.
The defendant was arrested after eight youngsters and one adult became sick at the location in mid-summer.
The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he was present at the courthouse on Friday.
Nevertheless, he denied one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was held in detention ahead of a further hearing on November 28th.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, detailed Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She explained his those affected were under-privileged children who were participating in a youth camp which he managed.
The man engaged in a "candy game" with the children, the prosecutor explained, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and request they to consume candy "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings the man had engaged in this activity with the boys "repeatedly", and minors had previously become sick the next day.
She explained Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had concerns in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "In the summer" his family member had concerns about the situation, justifiably.
"They decided to examine in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor stated materials including baby oil, ointment and injection devices were found, and his family member alerted the law enforcement about his concerns.
She explained the man proceeded to engage in the "candy game" with six boys that night - that Saturday - and they were all ill the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that time," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, previously told that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
The legal representative said the children were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so the stepson called the authorities a second time.
She stated the defendant then engaged in the "sweet game" in a area of five children.
