A person who contaminated treats with tranquilliser and gave them to youngsters at a summer program in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two young males both between nine and ten.
The defendant was arrested after eight children and one adult became sick at the facility in mid-summer.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he stood at the courthouse on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he denied one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
The accused was remanded in custody before a subsequent court date on late November.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, outlined Ruben's offending to the court.
She explained his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a summer program which he operated.
The defendant engaged in a "candy game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior said, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She told the court the defendant had played this game with the young males "repeatedly", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She said Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had worries in July 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "In the summer" his family member had worries about what was going on, for good reason.
"They resolved" to investigate in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC stated objects including infant oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were found, and his stepson notified the police about his worries.
She explained the defendant continued to engage in the "candy game" with six children that time - July 26th - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"The police had not responded by that stage," she added.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, previously told that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
Mrs Prior said the minors were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so the stepson called the authorities once more.
She said Ruben then conducted the "treat game" in a space of five minors.
