A man who contaminated candy with tranquilliser and gave them to children at a summer camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two boys who were nine and 10.
The accused was detained after eight children and one adult experienced illness at the location in July.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
However, he refused to admit one particular crime he was accused of, which was involving a young boy.
The accused was remanded in custody prior to a additional proceeding on late November.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, described the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She stated his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a summer camp which he managed.
Ruben engaged in a "candy game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor said, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She told the court the defendant had engaged in this activity with the children "for many years", and children had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She said the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had worries in summer 2025.
The prosecutor added: "Recently" his stepchild had suspicions about what was going on, for good reason.
"They chose" to examine in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel stated items including baby oil, ointment and medical needles were located, and his stepchild notified the police about his worries.
She said the man proceeded to play the "treat game" with six boys that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the following morning.
"The police had not arrived by that point," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, had stated that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
The prosecutor stated the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the family member notified the law enforcement a second time.
She said Ruben then conducted the "candy game" in a room of five minors.
