A man who contaminated candy with sleeping medication and gave them to children at a summer camp in the region has confessed to sexual crimes against two boys who were between nine and ten.
The accused was arrested after eight minors and one adult experienced illness at the location in July.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at the courthouse on the end of the week.
However, he disputed a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was concerning a young boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody ahead of a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, described Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She said his victims were under-privileged children who were staying at a summer program which he managed.
The man played a "candy game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior said, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and request they to consume candy "rapidly".
She told the court the man had engaged in this activity with the boys "repeatedly", and minors had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She said the man had been capable of justifying this repeatedly as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had concerns in July 2025.
The legal representative added: "This year his stepchild had concerns about what was going on, justifiably.
"They chose" to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel stated items including baby oil, ointment and injection devices were discovered, and his stepchild contacted the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She stated the defendant proceeded to conduct the "candy game" with six children that night - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Authorities" had not responded by that time," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
The prosecutor stated the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so the family member contacted the law enforcement again.
She said the man then conducted the "candy game" in a space of five minors.
