A person who spiked sweets with tranquilliser and distributed them to minors at a youth camp in the area has admitted sexual offenses against two boys aged nine and ten years old.
The accused was taken into custody after eight youngsters and one adult experienced illness at the location in mid-summer.
The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
Yet, he disputed a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was concerning a young boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody prior to a further hearing on late November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, detailed the defendant's actions to the court.
She stated his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer camp which he ran.
Ruben engaged in a "sweet game" with the children, the legal counsel stated, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge Ruben had engaged in this activity with the children "over an extended period", and children had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She stated Ruben had been able to explain this for many years as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had concerns in summer 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "Recently" his stepson had worries about the situation, justifiably.
"They resolved" to investigate in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC said items including lubricant, petroleum jelly and injection devices were found, and his stepchild contacted the authorities about his concerns.
She stated the man proceeded to play the "candy game" with six boys that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the next day.
"The police had not responded by that stage," she added.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, had stated that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
The legal representative explained the minors were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the stepson called the police again.
She explained the man then conducted the "candy game" in a room of five youngsters.
