A person who spiked candy with sleeping medication and distributed them to youngsters at a summer program in the region has admitted sexual crimes against two boys who were nine and 10.
The defendant was arrested after eight youngsters and an older person experienced illness at the facility in the summer month.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
Yet, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was concerning a young boy.
The accused was held in detention ahead of a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, described the defendant's actions to the court.
She stated his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer camp which he managed.
Ruben conducted a "candy game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel explained, in which he would go into the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings the man had conducted this practice with the boys "repeatedly", and children had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She stated the man had been capable of justifying this for many years as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had suspicions in July 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "Recently" his stepchild had worries about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They decided to examine in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC explained objects including infant oil, ointment and injection devices were found, and his family member alerted the police about his suspicions.
She explained Ruben went on to engage in the "sweet game" with six youngsters that evening - that Saturday - and they were all sick the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that time," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, had stated that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the situation.
The legal representative stated the children were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson contacted the authorities once more.
She said the man then engaged in the "treat game" in a area of five children.
