A man who contaminated treats with sleeping medication and provided them to youngsters at a youth camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two young males aged between nine and ten.
The defendant was detained after eight minors and a grown-up fell ill at the location in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
However, he denied a single sexual charge he was facing, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
The accused was remanded in custody ahead of a additional proceeding on late November.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, described the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She explained his those affected were under-privileged children who were attending a youth camp which he ran.
Ruben engaged in a "sweet game" with the minors, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings the man had engaged in this activity with the boys "repeatedly", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She stated the man had been able to explain this for many years as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had suspicions in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "This year his family member had worries about the situation, with valid cause.
"They chose" to investigate in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor explained materials including infant oil, Vaseline and medical needles were discovered, and his stepson notified the law enforcement about his worries.
She explained the man continued to play the "candy game" with six children that time - that Saturday - and they were all ill the next day.
"The police had not responded by that time," she continued.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, had stated that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
The prosecutor explained the children were struggling to walk due to their condition, so the stepson called the law enforcement again.
She said Ruben then conducted the "treat game" in a room of five minors.
