A person who spiked treats with tranquilliser and distributed them to youngsters at a summer camp in the area has confessed to sexual crimes against two children aged nine and ten years old.
The accused was taken into custody after eight children and one adult experienced illness at the location in mid-summer.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
Yet, he disputed one particular crime he was accused of, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was kept in jail prior to a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, described the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She said his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a summer camp which he ran.
The man played a "sweet game" with the children, the legal counsel explained, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the man had played this game with the boys "over an extended period", and minors had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She said the man had been able to explain this for many years as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had worries in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "This year his stepson had concerns about the situation, justifiably.
"They resolved" to have a look in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel stated objects including baby oil, Vaseline and syringes were discovered, and his stepchild alerted the law enforcement about his concerns.
She explained the man went on to conduct the "candy game" with six children that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the following morning.
"The police had not responded by that time," she added.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was examining law enforcement's management of the incident.
The legal representative said the children were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so the stepson called the police again.
She explained Ruben then conducted the "treat game" in a area of five children.
