A man who contaminated candy with tranquilliser and provided them to youngsters at a summer camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two young males aged nine and 10.
The defendant was arrested after eight children and a grown-up experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was held in detention prior to a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, detailed Ruben's offending to the court.
She explained his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a summer program which he operated.
The defendant played a "candy game" with the children, the legal counsel said, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and request they to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge the man had conducted this practice with the children "for many years", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She explained the defendant had been able to explain this over a long period as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had concerns in July 2025.
The legal representative continued: "This year his family member had concerns about the situation, with valid cause.
"They decided to investigate in the individual's items."
The legal counsel stated items including infant oil, petroleum jelly and injection devices were found, and his family member notified the police about his worries.
She explained the man went on to conduct the "candy game" with six boys that evening - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that stage," she added.
The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was investigating the police response of the situation.
Mrs Prior stated the minors were struggling to walk due to being ill, so the stepson contacted the law enforcement a second time.
She stated the defendant then engaged in the "treat game" in a area of five youngsters.
