An individual who spiked candy with tranquilliser and gave them to minors at a youth camp in the area has admitted sexual offenses against two young males both between nine and ten.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight minors and a grown-up experienced illness at the location in July.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
Yet, he refused to admit one particular crime he was charged with, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was remanded in custody before a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, outlined Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She stated his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer program which he operated.
The man conducted a "candy game" with the minors, the prosecutor stated, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were settling down and request they to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had conducted this practice with the young males "over an extended period", and children had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She explained Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had suspicions in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "In the summer" his stepson had suspicions about what was going on, justifiably.
"They chose" to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel said materials including lubricant, ointment and injection devices were located, and his family member contacted the authorities about his worries.
She said the defendant went on to play the "candy game" with six youngsters that evening - that Saturday - and they were all ill the following morning.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that point," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was examining law enforcement's management of the events.
Mrs Prior explained the minors were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so the family member contacted the authorities again.
She stated the defendant then engaged in the "candy game" in a area of five children.
