A person who spiked treats with sleeping medication and gave them to minors at a youth camp in the region has confessed to sexual offenses against two boys both nine and 10.
The defendant was arrested after eight youngsters and an older person became sick at the location in July.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was facing, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was remanded in custody ahead of a further hearing on late November.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, detailed the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She stated his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a youth camp which he ran.
Ruben conducted a "candy game" with the minors, the prosecutor explained, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had engaged in this activity with the boys "over an extended period", and children had previously become sick the next day.
She stated the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had suspicions in summer 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "In the summer" his stepchild had suspicions about the activities, justifiably.
"They chose" to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor stated objects including lubricant, ointment and injection devices were discovered, and his stepson contacted the law enforcement about his worries.
She stated the defendant proceeded to conduct the "sweet game" with six boys that evening - July 26th - and they were all ill the next day.
"The police had not gone out by that point," she added.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, had stated that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
The legal representative stated the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so the family member called the law enforcement once more.
She stated Ruben then engaged in the "candy game" in a space of five minors.
