A person who spiked sweets with sedative and provided them to youngsters at a summer program in the area has admitted sexual offenses against two children both nine and ten years old.
The accused was taken into custody after eight children and a grown-up experienced illness at the facility in July.
The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
However, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
The accused was remanded in custody ahead of a further hearing on 28 November.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, handling the case, described the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She explained his those affected were under-privileged children who were attending a summer program which he managed.
Ruben played a "sweet game" with the minors, the prosecutor explained, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She told the court the man had played this game with the boys "over an extended period", and children had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She stated Ruben had been able to explain this over a long period as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had suspicions in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "In the summer" his stepchild had suspicions about the situation, for good reason.
"They chose" to have a look in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel explained items including baby oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were located, and his stepchild contacted the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She explained Ruben continued to conduct the "candy game" with six youngsters that evening - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that stage," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, had stated that it was examining the police response of the events.
Mrs Prior stated the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the family member called the law enforcement once more.
She stated the man then played the "candy game" in a space of five minors.
