An individual who contaminated treats with tranquilliser and provided them to children at a youth camp in the region has admitted sexual offenses against two boys both nine and 10.
The accused was detained after eight minors and an older person experienced illness at the location in July.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at the courthouse on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
The accused was kept in jail before a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, described Ruben's offending to the court.
She said his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a summer program which he ran.
The man conducted a "treat game" with the minors, Mrs Prior said, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were settling down and tell them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the defendant had engaged in this activity with the children "over an extended period", and minors had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She said the defendant had been capable of justifying this repeatedly as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had concerns in summer 2025.
The legal representative continued: "This year his stepchild had concerns about the activities, justifiably.
"They decided to have a look in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor stated items including lubricant, ointment and medical needles were located, and his stepchild contacted the law enforcement about his worries.
She stated Ruben went on to engage in the "sweet game" with six youngsters that evening - July 26th - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that point," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
Mrs Prior explained the minors were struggling to walk due to being ill, so the family member notified the police a second time.
She stated Ruben then played the "treat game" in a area of five children.
