A man who contaminated treats with tranquilliser and gave them to children at a summer program in the region has admitted sexual offences against two boys who were nine and ten years old.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight youngsters and one adult experienced illness at the facility in mid-summer.
The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
However, he disputed a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was against a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was kept in jail before a further hearing on November 28th.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, described Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She explained his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer camp which he operated.
Ruben engaged in a "sweet game" with the minors, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would go into the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and request they to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge Ruben had played this game with the young males "repeatedly", and minors had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She explained the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had concerns in summer 2025.
The prosecutor added: "Recently" his stepson had worries about the activities, justifiably.
"They resolved" to investigate in the individual's items."
The legal counsel stated materials including infant oil, Vaseline and syringes were found, and his stepchild contacted the law enforcement about his worries.
She said the defendant proceeded to play the "treat game" with six boys that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"The police had not gone out by that time," she added.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, previously told that it was examining the police response of the incident.
Mrs Prior explained the minors were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so the stepson called the authorities once more.
She explained the defendant then engaged in the "sweet game" in a space of five children.
