An individual who laced treats with sleeping medication and provided them to youngsters at a summer program in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two boys who were between nine and ten.
The defendant was arrested after eight minors and one adult experienced illness at the location in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Yet, he disputed a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was against a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was kept in jail prior to a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, detailed the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She explained his targets were under-privileged children who were participating in a summer camp which he operated.
The man engaged in a "sweet game" with the children, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to consume candy "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had conducted this practice with the young males "over an extended period", and minors had previously become sick the next day.
She explained the defendant had been capable of justifying this for many years as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had worries in summer 2025.
The legal representative added: "Recently" his stepchild had concerns about the situation, for good reason.
"They resolved" to examine in the individual's items."
The prosecutor stated items including infant oil, Vaseline and injection devices were located, and his stepchild contacted the law enforcement about his concerns.
She said the defendant went on to conduct the "sweet game" with six boys that evening - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"The police had not responded by that point," she added.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was examining law enforcement's management of the situation.
The legal representative explained the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson contacted the authorities a second time.
She explained the defendant then played the "sweet game" in a area of five minors.
