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An individual who spiked candy with tranquilliser and provided them to youngsters at a youth camp in the area has confessed to sexual offenses against two children who were nine and 10.

The defendant was arrested after eight youngsters and a grown-up experienced illness at the facility in July.

The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at the courthouse on recently.

Yet, he denied one particular crime he was charged with, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.

Ruben was kept in jail prior to a further hearing on 28 November.

'Sweet game'

Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, described Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.

She explained his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer program which he ran.

Ruben conducted a "candy game" with the children, the prosecutor explained, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to eat sweets "rapidly".

She informed the proceedings Ruben had conducted this practice with the children "for many years", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the next day.

She stated the man had been able to explain this over a long period as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had suspicions in summer 2025.

The prosecutor added: "Recently" his stepson had worries about the situation, for good reason.

"They resolved" to investigate in the man's possessions."

Mrs Prior KC said objects including baby oil, ointment and medical needles were discovered, and his family member alerted the law enforcement about his worries.

She stated the defendant continued to conduct the "sweet game" with six boys that evening - that Saturday - and they were all sick the next day.

"Authorities" had not gone out by that time," she stated further.

The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.

The legal representative stated the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the family member called the police again.

She explained the defendant then engaged in the "sweet game" in a space of five youngsters.