A man who laced sweets with tranquilliser and gave them to children at a summer program in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two boys aged nine and 10.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight minors and a grown-up experienced illness at the location in July.
The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he was present at the judicial center on Friday.
Yet, he denied one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody prior to a further hearing on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, described Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She said his those affected were under-privileged children who were participating in a summer camp which he ran.
Ruben played a "sweet game" with the minors, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would go into the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and request they to ingest treats "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had conducted this practice with the young males "over an extended period", and children had previously become sick the following morning.
She explained Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had suspicions in July 2025.
The legal representative continued: "This year his stepchild had concerns about what was going on, for good reason.
"They chose" to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC stated objects including baby oil, ointment and syringes were found, and his stepchild alerted the police about his worries.
She explained Ruben proceeded to engage in the "treat game" with six children that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that time," she stated further.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
Mrs Prior stated the youngsters were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so the family member called the police again.
She explained the man then played the "candy game" in a space of five children.
