A man who contaminated candy with sleeping medication and distributed them to youngsters at a summer camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two young males aged nine and ten years old.
The defendant was arrested after eight minors and an older person became sick at the location in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he stood at the courthouse on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit one particular crime he was facing, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
The accused was remanded in custody ahead of a additional proceeding on late November.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, outlined Ruben's offending to the court.
She explained his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer camp which he operated.
The defendant conducted a "candy game" with the minors, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to ingest treats "rapidly".
She told the court the defendant had conducted this practice with the boys "over an extended period", and minors had previously become sick the following morning.
She stated the man had been capable of justifying this repeatedly as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had concerns in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "This year his family member had concerns about the activities, with valid cause.
"They chose" to investigate in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel explained objects including baby oil, ointment and medical needles were discovered, and his stepchild contacted the police about his concerns.
She said the man continued to conduct the "candy game" with six youngsters that evening - that Saturday - and they were all ill the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that stage," she added.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
The prosecutor stated the youngsters were struggling to walk due to their condition, so the stepson called the authorities once more.
She stated Ruben then played the "sweet game" in a room of five children.
