An individual who spiked candy with tranquilliser and distributed them to youngsters at a youth camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two boys aged nine and 10.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight minors and an older person experienced illness at the location in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
Yet, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was against a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was held in detention before a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, described the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She explained his victims were under-privileged children who were attending a youth camp which he operated.
The man played a "treat game" with the children, the prosecutor stated, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and ask them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had engaged in this activity with the children "repeatedly", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She said Ruben had been able to explain this for many years as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had worries in summer 2025.
The legal representative added: "Recently" his family member had suspicions about the activities, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to examine in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor said items including baby oil, Vaseline and injection devices were found, and his stepson contacted the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She said the defendant continued to play the "sweet game" with six boys that evening - that Saturday - and they were all sick the following morning.
"The police had not responded by that point," she added.
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 children were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the family member called the law enforcement once more.
She explained Ruben then played the "treat game" in a space of five youngsters.
