A person who contaminated candy with tranquilliser and provided them to children at a summer camp in the area has confessed to sexual crimes against two children aged nine and 10.
The defendant was detained after eight minors and one adult fell ill at the facility in mid-summer.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he was present at the courthouse on Friday.
Nevertheless, he disputed one particular crime he was facing, which was involving a young boy.
The accused was held in detention ahead of a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, detailed the defendant's actions to the court.
She explained his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer camp which he operated.
Ruben conducted a "treat game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor said, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and request they to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She told the court the man had played this game with the young males "for many years", and minors had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She stated the man had been able to explain this over a long period as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had suspicions in July 2025.
The prosecutor added: "In the summer" his stepchild had concerns about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They chose" to investigate in the individual's items."
The prosecutor explained objects including infant oil, ointment and injection devices were discovered, and his family member notified the police about his concerns.
She stated the man went on to play the "candy game" with six children that evening - July 26th - and they were all ill the next day.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that stage," she added.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, had stated that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
The legal representative said the children were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the family member called the law enforcement again.
She said the defendant then engaged in the "candy game" in a space of five minors.
