A person who contaminated treats with sedative and gave them to children at a youth camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two children who were between nine and ten.
The accused was taken into custody after eight children and a grown-up experienced illness at the facility in the summer month.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at the judicial center on the end of the week.
Yet, he denied one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
The accused was remanded in custody before a additional proceeding on late November.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, handling the case, described the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She explained his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a summer program which he operated.
Ruben conducted a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel stated, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to ingest treats "rapidly".
She told the court Ruben had engaged in this activity with the boys "over an extended period", and youngsters had previously become sick the following morning.
She stated the man had been able to explain this over a long period as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had worries in July 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "In the summer" his family member had concerns about what was going on, for good reason.
"They chose" to have a look in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC stated materials including infant oil, petroleum jelly and syringes were discovered, and his stepchild contacted the police about his concerns.
She explained the man went on to conduct the "treat game" with six youngsters that night - that Saturday - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that time," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, previously told that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
Mrs Prior stated the children were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the family member contacted the authorities once more.
She explained the defendant then played the "candy game" in a space of five children.
