An individual who spiked sweets with sedative and gave them to youngsters at a youth camp in the region has confessed to sexual offences against two boys aged nine and 10.
The accused was detained after eight minors and an older person became sick at the facility in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at the judicial center on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he disputed one particular crime he was charged with, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was kept in jail prior to a further hearing on November 28th.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, described the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She stated his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a summer camp which he ran.
The man engaged in a "candy game" with the minors, the prosecutor explained, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to ingest treats "rapidly".
She stated to the judge Ruben had engaged in this activity with the children "over an extended period", and minors had previously become sick the next day.
She said the defendant had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had concerns in summer 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "Recently" his stepson had concerns about what was going on, justifiably.
"They decided to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor stated items including infant oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were discovered, and his stepchild notified the authorities about his concerns.
She explained Ruben proceeded to engage in the "treat game" with six youngsters that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the following morning.
"The police had not responded by that time," she added.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
The prosecutor explained the youngsters were struggling to walk due to being ill, so the stepson notified the police again.
She explained the defendant then played the "treat game" in a area of five minors.
