An individual who spiked candy with tranquilliser and gave them to children at a summer program in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two boys aged nine and 10.
The accused was taken into custody after eight minors and a grown-up became sick at the facility in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
Nevertheless, he denied a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was against a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was remanded in custody before a further hearing on November 28th.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, detailed the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She explained his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a summer program which he operated.
The man conducted a "candy game" with the children, the legal counsel said, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings the man had played this game with the boys "for many years", and children had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She said the defendant had been able to explain this for many years as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had suspicions in July 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "In the summer" his stepchild had worries about what was going on, justifiably.
"They decided to investigate in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC explained materials including infant oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were found, and his family member alerted the law enforcement about his worries.
She stated Ruben proceeded to play the "sweet game" with six children that time - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that time," she added.
The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was examining law enforcement's management of the incident.
Mrs Prior explained the minors were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the stepson notified the authorities once more.
She said Ruben then played the "treat game" in a space of five youngsters.
