An individual who laced treats with sedative and distributed them to minors at a youth camp in the area has admitted sexual offenses against two boys aged nine and 10.
The accused was arrested after eight youngsters and an older person fell ill at the facility in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he stood at the judicial center on Friday.
However, he denied one particular crime he was charged with, which was involving a young boy.
The accused was remanded in custody ahead of a further hearing on November 28th.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, detailed the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She said his victims were under-privileged children who were participating in a summer program which he operated.
The defendant conducted a "sweet game" with the children, the legal counsel said, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and tell them to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had played this game with the children "for many years", and children had previously become sick the next day.
She explained the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had worries in summer 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "In the summer" his stepson had concerns about the activities, for good reason.
"They resolved" to have a look in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor said materials including baby oil, ointment and syringes were discovered, and his stepson alerted the law enforcement about his worries.
She said Ruben proceeded to play the "sweet game" with six youngsters that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that point," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, previously told that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
The legal representative explained the youngsters were struggling to walk due to their condition, so the stepson contacted the authorities again.
She said the defendant then played the "treat game" in a room of five children.
