An individual who spiked sweets with tranquilliser and provided them to youngsters at a youth camp in the region has confessed to sexual offences against two boys who were between nine and ten.
The accused was detained after eight minors and a grown-up fell ill at the facility in mid-summer.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he stood at the judicial center on the end of the week.
Yet, he disputed one particular crime he was charged with, which was concerning a young boy.
The defendant was held in detention ahead of a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, described Ruben's offending to the court.
She stated his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a youth camp which he operated.
The man played a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor explained, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and request they to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had conducted this practice with the young males "over an extended period", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She said Ruben had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had concerns in July 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "Recently" his stepchild had worries about the situation, for good reason.
"They chose" to examine in the individual's items."
The prosecutor stated objects including lubricant, ointment and injection devices were found, and his stepchild notified the law enforcement about his concerns.
She stated the defendant proceeded to play the "sweet game" with six boys that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that time," she continued.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
The prosecutor stated the minors were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson notified the police a second time.
She stated the man then engaged in the "candy game" in a room of five minors.
