A person who laced candy with tranquilliser and gave them to children at a summer program in the area has admitted sexual offences against two boys both between nine and ten.
The defendant was arrested after eight children and one adult fell ill at the location in the summer month.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
However, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was against a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was remanded in custody ahead of a additional proceeding on late November.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, outlined the criminal behavior to the court.
She stated his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a summer camp which he managed.
Ruben played a "sweet game" with the minors, Mrs Prior said, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge Ruben had conducted this practice with the young males "over an extended period", and minors had previously become sick the next day.
She explained the man had been able to explain this for many years as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had worries in summer 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "This year his stepson had worries about the situation, for good reason.
"They chose" to have a look in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC said items including baby oil, petroleum jelly and syringes were located, and his family member notified the police about his suspicions.
She stated the defendant proceeded to conduct the "candy game" with six boys that evening - that Saturday - and they were all sick the next day.
"The police had not responded by that stage," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, had stated that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
Mrs Prior said the minors were struggling to walk due to their condition, so the stepson called the law enforcement again.
She said Ruben then engaged in the "candy game" in a space of five children.
