A person who laced treats with sedative and distributed them to youngsters at a youth camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two boys who were nine and 10.
The defendant was arrested after eight minors and one adult fell ill at the facility in the summer month.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
Yet, he denied one particular crime he was charged with, which was involving a young boy.
The accused was held in detention before a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, described the criminal behavior to the court.
She explained his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer camp which he operated.
Ruben engaged in a "treat game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor said, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were settling down and request they to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge Ruben had conducted this practice with the young males "over an extended period", and minors had previously become sick the following morning.
She explained the man had been able to explain this for many years as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had suspicions in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "In the summer" his stepson had worries about the activities, justifiably.
"They chose" to investigate in the individual's items."
The prosecutor said objects including baby oil, ointment and medical needles were located, and his family member contacted the authorities about his concerns.
She explained the man proceeded to play the "candy game" with six youngsters that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"The police had not arrived by that point," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, had stated that it was reviewing the police response of the situation.
The prosecutor explained the minors were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the family member called the law enforcement once more.
She said the man then engaged in the "treat game" in a space of five children.
