An individual who spiked candy with sedative and distributed them to children at a summer camp in the area has confessed to sexual offenses against two children who were nine and ten years old.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight children and a grown-up fell ill at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
Nevertheless, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was involving a young boy.
Ruben was kept in jail prior to a further hearing on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, outlined the defendant's actions to the court.
She stated his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a youth camp which he ran.
Ruben played a "candy game" with the children, Mrs Prior said, in which he would go into the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge Ruben had played this game with the young males "over an extended period", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She stated Ruben had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had concerns in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "Recently" his family member had concerns about the activities, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to have a look in the individual's items."
The legal counsel said materials including baby oil, ointment and medical needles were located, and his stepson contacted the law enforcement about his worries.
She explained the defendant continued to engage in the "candy game" with six children that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"The police had not responded by that point," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, previously told that it was examining the police response of the events.
The prosecutor said the children were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so the family member contacted the police again.
She explained the man then conducted the "candy game" in a room of five children.
