A person who contaminated treats with tranquilliser and provided them to youngsters at a summer program in the region has confessed to sexual offenses against two children aged between nine and ten.
The accused was arrested after eight youngsters and a grown-up became sick at the facility in mid-summer.
The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Yet, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was facing, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was held in detention before a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, described Ruben's offending to the court.
She said his targets were under-privileged children who were attending a youth camp which he managed.
The defendant conducted a "treat game" with the minors, the legal counsel said, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to consume candy "rapidly".
She stated to the judge Ruben had conducted this practice with the boys "over an extended period", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She said the defendant had been able to explain this for many years as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had concerns in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "In the summer" his stepchild had concerns about the situation, justifiably.
"They resolved" to examine in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor stated items including infant oil, petroleum jelly and injection devices were discovered, and his family member alerted the law enforcement about his worries.
She said the man continued to engage in the "candy game" with six children that time - July 26th - and they were all sick the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that stage," she continued.
The oversight body, the investigative body, had stated that it was examining law enforcement's management of the incident.
Mrs Prior said the children were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson called the authorities once more.
She explained the man then conducted the "candy game" in a room of five children.
