A person who laced treats with sleeping medication and distributed them to youngsters at a summer camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two young males both between nine and ten.
The defendant was arrested after eight children and one adult fell ill at the location in July.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at the courthouse on the end of the week.
Yet, he refused to admit one particular crime he was accused of, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was remanded in custody before a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, outlined the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She stated his targets were under-privileged children who were staying at a summer camp which he ran.
The defendant conducted a "treat game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel stated, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep 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 children had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She explained Ruben had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had concerns in summer 2025.
The legal representative added: "This year his stepson had concerns about the situation, for good reason.
"They decided to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel explained items including baby oil, Vaseline and medical needles were discovered, and his stepson alerted the police about his suspicions.
She explained Ruben continued to engage in the "treat game" with six boys that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that stage," she continued.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, previously told that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
The legal representative stated the children were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so the stepson notified the police again.
She explained the man then engaged in the "sweet game" in a area of five children.
