A man who spiked treats with sleeping medication and distributed them to youngsters at a youth camp in the area has confessed to sexual crimes against two children who were between nine and ten.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight youngsters and a grown-up fell ill at the facility in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at the courthouse on Friday.
Yet, he disputed one particular crime he was accused of, which was involving a young boy.
The accused was remanded in custody before a further hearing on 28 November.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, described the defendant's actions to the court.
She said his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer program which he managed.
Ruben played a "candy game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior said, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings the man had conducted this practice with the young males "repeatedly", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the next day.
She said the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had suspicions in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "Recently" his family member had worries about the situation, for good reason.
"They decided to investigate in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel stated objects including baby oil, petroleum jelly and syringes were discovered, and his stepson notified the law enforcement about his worries.
She explained the defendant continued to play the "sweet game" with six children that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"The police had not gone out by that point," she stated further.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, had stated that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
Mrs Prior said the minors were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson notified the police once more.
She said the man then engaged in the "sweet game" in a area of five youngsters.
