A man who laced sweets with sleeping medication and gave them to youngsters at a summer program in the region has admitted sexual crimes against two young males who were between nine and ten.
The accused was taken into custody after eight youngsters and one adult experienced illness at the location in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
Yet, he disputed one particular crime he was facing, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was held in detention before a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, detailed the criminal behavior to the court.
She said his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a summer program which he operated.
Ruben conducted a "candy game" with the children, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were settling down and request they to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She told the court the man had conducted this practice with the boys "for many years", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She explained Ruben had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had suspicions in summer 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "Recently" his family member had worries about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They chose" to investigate in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC explained items including lubricant, ointment and syringes were discovered, and his family member notified the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She stated the defendant proceeded to engage in the "sweet game" with six boys that time - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that time," she stated further.
The oversight body, the investigative body, previously told that it was examining the police response of the incident.
The prosecutor stated the youngsters were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson contacted the police again.
She explained Ruben then engaged in the "candy game" in a space of five minors.
