A man who laced treats with tranquilliser and provided them to youngsters at a youth camp in the area has admitted sexual offences against two young males who were nine and ten years old.
The accused was arrested after eight minors and one adult became sick at the location in July.
The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at the courthouse on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he denied a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was held in detention ahead of a further hearing on November 28th.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, detailed Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She explained his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer program which he managed.
Ruben engaged in a "candy game" with the minors, the legal counsel said, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and ask them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge the defendant had conducted this practice with the boys "over an extended period", and minors had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She said the man had been capable of justifying this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had concerns in summer 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "Recently" his stepson had concerns about the situation, justifiably.
"They resolved" to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor explained items including infant oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were discovered, and his stepson contacted the law enforcement about his worries.
She said the defendant went on to play the "sweet game" with six boys that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that time," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
The prosecutor stated the youngsters were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so the stepson notified the authorities once more.
She explained the defendant then played the "sweet game" in a space of five youngsters.
