A man who contaminated candy with sedative and gave them to youngsters at a summer camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two children both nine and 10.
The accused was taken into custody after eight children and a grown-up fell ill at the facility in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
Nevertheless, he denied one particular crime he was accused of, which was against a nine-year-old child.
The accused was kept in jail before a further hearing on November 28th.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, outlined the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She explained his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer program which he managed.
Ruben engaged in a "candy game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge the defendant had conducted this practice with the young males "over an extended period", and children had previously become sick the next day.
She said the man had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had concerns in July 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "In the summer" his family member had concerns about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They decided to investigate in the individual's items."
The legal counsel said items including lubricant, petroleum jelly and medical needles were discovered, and his stepchild notified the police about his concerns.
She said Ruben continued to play the "sweet game" with six youngsters that night - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that point," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the events.
The prosecutor stated the children were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the stepson contacted the authorities again.
She explained the man then conducted the "candy game" in a space of five minors.
