A person who spiked sweets with sedative and gave them to children at a summer program in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two children both nine and 10.
The defendant was arrested after eight minors and a grown-up became sick at the facility in July.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at the judicial center on the end of the week.
Yet, he refused to admit one particular crime he was facing, which was against a young boy.
The accused was held in detention ahead of a further hearing on 28 November.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, outlined the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She stated his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer program which he managed.
The man engaged in a "candy game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor said, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and ask them to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge the defendant had engaged in this activity with the young males "repeatedly", and youngsters had previously become sick the following morning.
She said the defendant had been capable of justifying this for many years as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had suspicions in July 2025.
The prosecutor stated further: "This year his family member had suspicions about the situation, with valid cause.
"They chose" to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor explained items including infant oil, Vaseline and syringes were located, and his stepson notified the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She stated Ruben went on to play the "candy game" with six children that time - July 26th - and they were all ill the following morning.
"Authorities" had not responded by that time," she continued.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
The prosecutor stated the minors were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson notified the police once more.
She said Ruben then engaged in the "candy game" in a room of five children.
