A person who spiked sweets with tranquilliser and provided them to youngsters at a youth camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two boys aged between nine and ten.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight minors and an older person experienced illness at the location in July.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Nevertheless, he denied one particular crime he was facing, which was concerning a young boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody ahead of a further hearing on November 28th.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, outlined Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She explained his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer program which he ran.
The man conducted a "treat game" with the children, the prosecutor stated, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and ask them to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She told the court the defendant had conducted this practice with the boys "over an extended period", and children had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She stated the man had been able to explain this over a long period as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had suspicions in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "Recently" his family member had worries about the activities, for good reason.
"They resolved" to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC explained objects including lubricant, Vaseline and syringes were discovered, and his stepson notified the authorities about his worries.
She stated Ruben continued to conduct the "sweet game" with six boys that night - July 26th - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"The police had not responded by that point," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, had stated that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the situation.
The prosecutor explained the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson contacted the police once more.
She stated Ruben then played the "sweet game" in a space of five children.
