A man who spiked sweets with tranquilliser and provided them to children at a youth camp in the area has admitted sexual crimes against two young males both between nine and ten.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight minors and one adult experienced illness at the location in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
Nevertheless, he disputed a single sexual charge he was facing, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
The accused was kept in jail before a further hearing on November 28th.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, outlined the criminal behavior to the court.
She stated his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a summer program which he managed.
The defendant conducted a "treat game" with the children, Mrs Prior said, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to eat sweets "rapidly".
She stated to the judge Ruben had engaged in this activity with the young males "over an extended period", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She explained Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had concerns in July 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "Recently" his stepchild had concerns about the situation, for good reason.
"They decided to have a look in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC explained objects including lubricant, petroleum jelly and medical needles were found, and his stepson contacted the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She stated the man proceeded to play the "treat game" with six boys that evening - July 26th - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"The police had not responded by that time," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was reviewing the police response of the situation.
The legal representative stated the children were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so the stepson notified the authorities a second time.
She explained Ruben then engaged in the "candy game" in a area of five youngsters.
