A man who laced sweets with tranquilliser and gave them to youngsters at a summer camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two boys aged nine and ten years old.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight children and a grown-up fell ill at the location in July.
The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at the courthouse on Friday.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was facing, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody ahead of a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, described the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She stated his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer program which he ran.
Ruben engaged in a "candy game" with the minors, Mrs Prior said, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to consume candy "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings the man had conducted this practice with the young males "for many years", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She stated Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had suspicions in July 2025.
The prosecutor added: "In the summer" his stepson had worries about the activities, justifiably.
"They decided to examine in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor stated objects including infant oil, ointment and syringes were located, and his stepson notified the police about his worries.
She explained the defendant proceeded to engage in the "candy game" with six children that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"The police had not responded by that time," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
The legal representative explained the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the family member notified the authorities a second time.
She stated Ruben then engaged in the "sweet game" in a area of five minors.
