A man who laced sweets with sleeping medication and distributed them to minors at a youth camp in the region has confessed to sexual offenses against two children both nine and 10.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight minors and one adult experienced illness at the location in the summer month.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
The accused was remanded in custody prior to a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, detailed the defendant's actions to the court.
She explained his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a youth camp which he operated.
Ruben engaged in a "sweet game" with the children, the legal counsel stated, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were settling down and request they to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She told the court the man had engaged in this activity with the boys "repeatedly", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She stated Ruben had been able to explain this over a long period as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had suspicions in recently.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "In the summer" his family member had concerns about the activities, for good reason.
"They decided to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC said items including baby oil, petroleum jelly and injection devices were located, and his stepson contacted the law enforcement about his worries.
She stated the defendant proceeded to conduct the "sweet game" with six boys that time - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that point," she stated further.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, previously told that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
The legal representative said the children were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson notified the police once more.
She explained the defendant then conducted the "sweet game" in a space of five children.
