A person who contaminated candy with tranquilliser and distributed them to children at a summer camp in the region has admitted sexual crimes against two boys aged nine and 10.
The accused was detained after eight minors and one adult experienced illness at the facility in July.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was against a young boy.
The accused was remanded in custody before a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, described Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She said his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a summer camp which he ran.
Ruben played a "treat game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior said, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were settling down and request they to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She told the court the defendant had played this game with the children "over an extended period", and youngsters had previously become sick the next day.
She stated Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had worries in summer 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "Recently" his stepson had worries about what was going on, for good reason.
"They chose" to examine in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC said materials including baby oil, petroleum jelly and injection devices were found, and his stepson contacted the law enforcement about his concerns.
She explained the man proceeded to play the "treat game" with six youngsters that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that stage," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, previously told that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
The legal representative stated the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson contacted the police again.
She explained the man then conducted the "sweet game" in a area of five children.
