An individual who contaminated treats with sedative and gave them to children at a summer camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two boys who were nine and ten years old.
The accused was detained after eight youngsters and a grown-up became sick at the facility in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at the judicial center on Friday.
Yet, he disputed a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was involving a young boy.
The accused was remanded in custody before a further hearing on November 28th.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, described the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She explained his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a youth camp which he managed.
Ruben played a "candy game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel stated, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and ask them to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge the man had played this game with the boys "for many years", and children had previously become sick the following morning.
She said Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had concerns in July 2025.
The legal representative added: "Recently" his stepchild had suspicions about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to investigate in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel explained materials including lubricant, petroleum jelly and injection devices were discovered, and his family member alerted the police about his suspicions.
She stated the man proceeded to conduct the "sweet game" with six boys that time - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that point," she added.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, previously told that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
Mrs Prior stated the children were struggling to walk due to their condition, so the stepson contacted the law enforcement again.
She stated the man then played the "sweet game" in a area of five children.
