A person who laced candy with sleeping medication and gave them to children at a youth camp in the region has confessed to sexual offenses against two boys aged nine and 10.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight minors and a grown-up fell ill at the location in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he was present at the judicial center on the end of the week.
Yet, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was facing, which was against a young boy.
The accused was remanded in custody prior to a further hearing on November 28th.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, outlined Ruben's offending to the court.
She stated his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a youth camp which he ran.
Ruben engaged in a "treat game" with the minors, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She told the court the defendant had conducted this practice with the children "for many years", and children had previously become sick the following morning.
She said Ruben had been able to explain this repeatedly as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had worries in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "This year his stepson had worries about what was going on, for good reason.
"They resolved" to investigate in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC said materials including infant oil, ointment and syringes were discovered, and his stepson notified the police about his suspicions.
She said Ruben went on to play the "treat game" with six youngsters that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the following morning.
"The police had not arrived by that stage," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
The prosecutor explained the youngsters were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so the family member notified the law enforcement again.
She said Ruben then conducted the "candy game" in a space of five youngsters.
