A person who laced candy with sedative and provided them to youngsters at a summer camp in the region has admitted sexual crimes against two boys who were between nine and ten.
The accused was detained after eight minors and one adult fell ill at the facility in July.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at the judicial center on Friday.
Nevertheless, he denied one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was held in detention before a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, outlined the criminal behavior to the court.
She explained his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer camp which he managed.
Ruben conducted a "sweet game" with the children, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and ask them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She told the court the man had engaged in this activity with the young males "for many years", and children had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She stated the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had suspicions in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "In the summer" his family member had suspicions about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They decided to investigate in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor said items including lubricant, ointment and medical needles were located, and his stepchild notified the police about his worries.
She said the man went on to play the "sweet game" with six youngsters that time - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that time," she continued.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
The legal representative explained the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson contacted the law enforcement again.
She said Ruben then conducted the "sweet game" in a space of five children.
