An individual who spiked treats with sedative and provided them to children at a summer program in the region has admitted sexual offenses against two children who were between nine and ten.
The accused was detained after eight youngsters and a grown-up fell ill at the facility in July.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Yet, he denied a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was kept in jail prior to a further hearing on late November.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, outlined the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She explained his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a summer program which he ran.
The defendant conducted a "candy game" with the minors, the legal counsel stated, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to consume candy "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had engaged in this activity with the boys "for many years", and minors had previously become sick the next day.
She stated Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had suspicions in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "This year his family member had suspicions about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They decided to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor said items including baby oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were located, and his family member notified the police about his suspicions.
She said the defendant continued to engage in the "sweet game" with six youngsters that evening - July 26th - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"The police had not arrived by that stage," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, previously told that it was examining law enforcement's management of the incident.
The legal representative said the children were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the family member contacted the authorities a second time.
She stated the defendant then conducted the "sweet game" in a room of five children.
