A man who contaminated treats with sedative and provided them to minors at a summer program in the area has confessed to sexual offenses against two children aged nine and ten years old.
The defendant was detained after eight children and an older person fell ill at the location in July.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he stood at the courthouse on recently.
Yet, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was concerning a young boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody before a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, detailed Ruben's offending to the court.
She said his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a summer camp which he ran.
The man played a "treat game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor stated, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and request they to eat sweets "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had conducted this practice with the young males "over an extended period", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She said the man had been able to explain this repeatedly as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had suspicions in July 2025.
The legal representative continued: "Recently" his family member had concerns about the activities, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor explained materials including baby oil, ointment and syringes were found, and his family member notified the authorities about his suspicions.
She explained Ruben proceeded to play the "candy game" with six children that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that stage," she stated further.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
The legal representative said the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the family member called the police a second time.
She explained Ruben then engaged in the "candy game" in a room of five youngsters.
