A person who spiked sweets with sleeping medication and gave them to youngsters at a summer program in the area has confessed to sexual offences against two young males who were nine and ten years old.
The defendant was detained after eight children and an older person became sick at the facility in mid-summer.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
Nevertheless, he denied a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was kept in jail prior to a subsequent court date on late November.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, described Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She explained his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer camp which he operated.
The defendant conducted a "treat game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor explained, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had conducted this practice with the young males "repeatedly", and youngsters had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She stated the man had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had worries in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "In the summer" his family member had worries about the situation, for good reason.
"They chose" to examine in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor stated items including lubricant, Vaseline and syringes were found, and his stepchild contacted the authorities about his concerns.
She said Ruben proceeded to engage in the "candy game" with six youngsters that time - July 26th - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"The police had not arrived by that point," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was reviewing the police response of the situation.
The legal representative explained the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson contacted the authorities again.
She explained Ruben then played the "treat game" in a room of five minors.
