An individual who laced candy with sedative and provided them to children at a summer program in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two boys aged nine and 10.
The defendant was detained after eight children and one adult fell ill at the location in July.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he was present at the courthouse on Friday.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was concerning a young boy.
The defendant was held in detention prior to a additional proceeding on late November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, detailed the criminal behavior to the court.
She stated his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer program which he ran.
The man conducted a "sweet game" with the children, the legal counsel explained, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had engaged in this activity with the boys "over an extended period", and minors had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She said Ruben had been capable of justifying this repeatedly as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had concerns in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "Recently" his family member had concerns about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They chose" to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC explained items including lubricant, petroleum jelly and injection devices were found, and his stepchild alerted the law enforcement about his concerns.
She said the man continued to conduct the "treat game" with six children that time - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"The police had not responded by that point," she continued.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, had stated that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
The prosecutor stated the youngsters were struggling to walk due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson called the authorities once more.
She said Ruben then conducted the "treat game" in a space of five youngsters.
