A person who spiked candy with tranquilliser and provided them to children at a summer program in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two children aged nine and 10.
The defendant was detained after eight youngsters and an older person experienced illness at the location in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
Yet, he refused to admit one particular crime he was facing, which was against a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was kept in jail ahead of a further hearing on November 28th.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, handling the case, outlined Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She said his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer camp which he operated.
Ruben played a "treat game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor explained, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and ask them to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She told the court the man had played this game with the boys "repeatedly", and children had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She explained Ruben had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had suspicions in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "Recently" his stepson had suspicions about the situation, justifiably.
"They chose" to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor said materials including baby oil, ointment and medical needles were discovered, and his stepchild alerted the law enforcement about his concerns.
She stated the man continued to conduct the "sweet game" with six boys that night - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that point," she continued.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, previously told that it was examining law enforcement's management of the incident.
The legal representative stated the minors were struggling to walk due to their condition, so the stepson notified the law enforcement once more.
She stated the defendant then engaged in the "sweet game" in a space of five children.
