A person who laced sweets with sedative and provided them to children at a summer camp in the area has admitted sexual crimes against two young males aged nine and 10.
The defendant was detained after eight youngsters and a grown-up became sick at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Nevertheless, he denied a single sexual charge he was facing, which was concerning a young boy.
The accused was held in detention before a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, outlined Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She stated his victims were under-privileged children who were staying at a summer program which he ran.
The defendant engaged in a "treat game" with the children, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to ingest treats "rapidly".
She told the court Ruben had conducted this practice with the children "over an extended period", and children had previously become sick the next day.
She said Ruben had been capable of justifying this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had concerns in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "In the summer" his stepson had concerns about the activities, for good reason.
"They decided to examine in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor said items including infant oil, ointment and medical needles were located, and his stepchild notified the authorities about his concerns.
She explained Ruben went on to conduct the "sweet game" with six youngsters that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"The police had not arrived by that stage," she added.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, previously told that it was examining law enforcement's management of the events.
The legal representative explained the minors were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so the family member contacted the authorities again.
She explained Ruben then played the "treat game" in a area of five minors.
