An individual who laced candy with tranquilliser and distributed them to minors at a summer camp in the region has admitted sexual offences against two boys who were nine and 10.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight children and an older person became sick at the location in mid-summer.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
However, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
The accused was remanded in custody ahead of a further hearing on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, detailed the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She explained his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer program which he ran.
The man conducted a "sweet game" with the minors, Mrs Prior said, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She told the court the man had played this game with the boys "repeatedly", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She said Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had concerns in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "Recently" his stepchild had concerns about the situation, justifiably.
"They chose" to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor stated materials including infant oil, Vaseline and injection devices were located, and his stepchild alerted the police about his suspicions.
She said the man continued to conduct the "sweet game" with six youngsters that night - that Saturday - and they were all sick the next day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that stage," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the situation.
The legal representative explained the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so the family member notified the police once more.
She stated Ruben then engaged in the "treat game" in a space of five youngsters.
