A man who spiked candy with sedative and gave them to children at a summer program in the region has confessed to sexual crimes against two children aged nine and ten years old.
The defendant was detained after eight youngsters and one adult became sick at the location in July.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he stood at the courthouse on the end of the week.
Yet, he denied a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
The accused was remanded in custody before a subsequent court date on late November.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, outlined the criminal behavior to the court.
She explained his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a youth camp which he managed.
The defendant conducted a "sweet game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were settling down and ask them to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had conducted this practice with the children "for many years", and children had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She explained Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had concerns in July 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "In the summer" his stepson had worries about the situation, for good reason.
"They resolved" to investigate in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel said materials including infant oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were found, and his family member alerted the law enforcement about his concerns.
She said the man went on to engage in the "candy game" with six youngsters that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that stage," she added.
The oversight body, the investigative body, had stated that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
The prosecutor explained the children were struggling to walk due to being ill, so the stepson notified the law enforcement a second time.
She said the man then conducted the "sweet game" in a area of five youngsters.
