A man who spiked treats with tranquilliser and gave them to children at a summer camp in the region has confessed to sexual crimes against two children who were nine and ten years old.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight children and an older person experienced illness at the facility in July.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
Nevertheless, he disputed one particular crime he was charged with, which was against a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was remanded in custody ahead of a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, outlined the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She said his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer camp which he managed.
Ruben played a "candy game" with the children, the prosecutor said, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings the man had played this game with the children "over an extended period", and minors had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She explained Ruben had been capable of justifying this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had worries in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "This year his stepson had concerns about the situation, justifiably.
"They decided to have a look in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC explained items including lubricant, Vaseline and injection devices were discovered, and his family member contacted the law enforcement about his concerns.
She said the man proceeded to play the "treat game" with six boys that evening - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"The police had not responded by that stage," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, previously told that it was examining the police response of the incident.
Mrs Prior explained the minors were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the stepson called the police once more.
She explained the defendant then played the "sweet game" in a area of five children.
