A man who spiked candy with sleeping medication and gave them to children at a summer program in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two boys who were nine and 10.
The accused was taken into custody after eight children and a grown-up experienced illness at the facility in the summer month.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit one particular crime he was charged with, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was kept in jail before a further hearing on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, described the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She stated his victims were under-privileged children who were attending a summer camp which he managed.
Ruben conducted a "sweet game" with the children, the prosecutor stated, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and ask them to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She told the court Ruben had played this game with the children "for many years", and youngsters had previously become sick the next day.
She stated the man had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had concerns in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "This year his stepchild had worries about what was going on, for good reason.
"They decided to have a look in the individual's items."
The prosecutor said objects including baby oil, ointment and syringes were located, and his stepchild contacted the law enforcement about his concerns.
She explained the man proceeded to engage in the "candy game" with six boys that evening - that Saturday - and they were all sick the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that time," she stated further.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, previously told that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the incident.
The legal representative stated the minors were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so the stepson contacted the authorities once more.
She explained the defendant then conducted the "treat game" in a space of five minors.
