An individual who contaminated candy with tranquilliser and gave them to minors at a summer program in the region has confessed to sexual crimes against two boys both nine and ten years old.
The accused was arrested after eight children and an older person experienced illness at the location in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
Yet, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was against a young boy.
The accused was held in detention prior to a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, outlined Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She said his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer camp which he managed.
The defendant conducted a "treat game" with the minors, the legal counsel said, in which he would go into the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to consume candy "rapidly".
She stated to the judge Ruben had played this game with the young males "over an extended period", and children had previously become sick the next day.
She stated Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had suspicions in summer 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "This year his stepson had concerns about the activities, with valid cause.
"They chose" to examine in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC stated objects including lubricant, Vaseline and injection devices were found, and his family member notified the authorities about his suspicions.
She stated the man continued to play the "candy game" with six youngsters that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that stage," she continued.
The oversight body, the investigative body, had stated that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
Mrs Prior stated the children were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the family member contacted the police once more.
She said the man then conducted the "sweet game" in a space of five children.
