A person who contaminated candy with sleeping medication and distributed them to youngsters at a summer camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two young males who were nine and ten years old.
The defendant was detained after eight minors and one adult experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in July.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
However, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was held in detention ahead of a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, detailed Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She explained his those affected were under-privileged children who were participating in a youth camp which he operated.
The man engaged in a "sweet game" with the minors, the prosecutor stated, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She told the court the man had conducted this practice with the children "repeatedly", and minors had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She stated the defendant had been able to explain this repeatedly as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had concerns in July 2025.
The prosecutor added: "In the summer" his family member had worries about the situation, for good reason.
"They chose" to have a look in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel explained materials including lubricant, Vaseline and medical needles were found, and his family member notified the authorities about his worries.
She stated Ruben went on to play the "treat game" with six boys that evening - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that time," she continued.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the incident.
Mrs Prior said the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson contacted the police again.
She stated the man then engaged in the "treat game" in a space of five minors.
