An individual who laced candy with tranquilliser and provided them to children at a youth camp in the region has admitted sexual crimes against two children both nine and ten years old.
The accused was arrested after eight minors and a grown-up became sick at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt 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 charged with, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody prior to a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, outlined the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She stated his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer program which he ran.
Ruben conducted a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel stated, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had engaged in this activity with the young males "for many years", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the next day.
She said Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had suspicions in July 2025.
The legal representative added: "In the summer" his stepson had suspicions about what was going on, for good reason.
"They resolved" to have a look in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC said materials including infant oil, Vaseline and medical needles were found, and his stepchild contacted the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She explained Ruben proceeded to conduct the "treat game" with six children that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"The police had not responded by that stage," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was examining the police response of the situation.
Mrs Prior stated the minors were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so the family member contacted the police once more.
She said the defendant then played the "treat game" in a space of five minors.
