A man who laced treats with tranquilliser and gave them to children at a summer camp in the region has admitted sexual crimes against two boys both between nine and ten.
The defendant was arrested after eight youngsters and one adult fell ill at Stathern Lodge in July.
The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
Yet, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was involving a young boy.
The defendant was kept in jail before a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, handling the case, described Ruben's offending to the court.
She said his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a youth camp which he ran.
Ruben played a "candy game" with the children, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and ask them to eat sweets "rapidly".
She told the court Ruben had played this game with the young males "repeatedly", and youngsters had previously become sick the next day.
She stated the man had been capable of justifying this for many years as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had concerns in July 2025.
The prosecutor added: "This year his stepson had worries about the activities, for good reason.
"They decided to investigate in the individual's items."
The legal counsel stated materials including lubricant, petroleum jelly and syringes were located, and his stepson contacted the police about his worries.
She explained Ruben went on to conduct the "treat game" with six children that evening - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that point," she continued.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was examining the police response of the situation.
The legal representative said the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson contacted the law enforcement once more.
She stated the man then conducted the "sweet game" in a space of five minors.
