An individual who spiked treats with tranquilliser and distributed them to youngsters at a summer program in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two boys aged nine and 10.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight minors and one adult experienced illness at the location in July.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he stood at the judicial center on the end of the week.
However, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was concerning a young boy.
Ruben was held in detention ahead of a additional proceeding on late November.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, outlined Ruben's offending to the court.
She explained his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a summer camp which he ran.
Ruben played a "sweet game" with the minors, Mrs Prior said, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had engaged in this activity with the boys "for many years", and children had previously become sick the next day.
She explained the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had worries in summer 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "In the summer" his stepson had worries about the situation, justifiably.
"They chose" to examine in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC explained materials including baby oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were located, and his stepson contacted the law enforcement about his concerns.
She said Ruben went on to engage in the "treat game" with six boys that evening - that Saturday - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that time," she continued.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
The prosecutor said the children were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the stepson notified the authorities again.
She stated the defendant then engaged in the "treat game" in a space of five children.
