A person who contaminated sweets with sleeping medication and gave them to children at a summer camp in the area has admitted sexual offences against two young males who were nine and 10.
The defendant was detained after eight minors and one adult experienced illness at the facility in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he was present at the courthouse on the end of the week.
Yet, he denied a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was kept in jail ahead of a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, detailed the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She explained his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer camp which he ran.
The man engaged in a "sweet game" with the children, the legal counsel explained, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and request they to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge Ruben had conducted this practice with the boys "for many years", and children had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She explained Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had concerns in July 2025.
The prosecutor stated further: "In the summer" his stepchild had concerns about the situation, justifiably.
"They chose" to investigate in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC explained objects including lubricant, petroleum jelly and medical needles were discovered, and his family member alerted the police about his concerns.
She said the defendant proceeded to play the "candy game" with six children that night - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that time," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
The prosecutor explained the children were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so the stepson notified the police once more.
She said the defendant then conducted the "sweet game" in a area of five minors.
