An individual who laced candy with tranquilliser and gave them to youngsters at a summer program in the area has admitted sexual offences against two children both nine and ten years old.
The accused was taken into custody after eight youngsters and one adult fell ill at the location in mid-summer.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
However, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was against a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was kept in jail prior to a further hearing on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, described Ruben's offending to the court.
She stated his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a summer camp which he operated.
The man engaged in a "sweet game" with the children, the legal counsel stated, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and request they to ingest treats "rapidly".
She told the court Ruben had engaged in this activity with the children "repeatedly", and children had previously fallen ill the next day.
She explained Ruben had been able to explain this over a long period as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had concerns in July 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "In the summer" his family member had concerns about the activities, for good reason.
"They resolved" to investigate in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor said items including infant oil, ointment and injection devices were located, and his stepchild alerted the authorities about his suspicions.
She stated the man continued to conduct the "candy game" with six youngsters that time - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that time," she added.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
The legal representative explained the youngsters were struggling to walk due to their condition, so the stepson called the authorities once more.
She said the defendant then conducted the "candy game" in a room of five children.
