A man who spiked sweets with sleeping medication and provided them to youngsters at a youth camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two boys who were nine and 10.
The accused was detained after eight youngsters and a grown-up became sick at the location in mid-summer.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
Yet, he refused to admit one particular crime he was accused of, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was held in detention before a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, detailed the criminal behavior to the court.
She stated his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer camp which he managed.
The defendant conducted a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor said, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and request they to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge Ruben had conducted this practice with the boys "over an extended period", and minors had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She explained the defendant had been able to explain this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had worries in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "Recently" his stepchild had concerns about what was going on, justifiably.
"They resolved" to investigate in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC stated objects including lubricant, petroleum jelly and injection devices were located, and his stepson notified the law enforcement about his concerns.
She said Ruben proceeded to conduct the "sweet game" with six boys that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the following morning.
"The police had not responded by that time," she continued.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was reviewing the police response of the events.
Mrs Prior stated the minors were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson contacted the authorities again.
She explained Ruben then played the "sweet game" in a space of five children.
