A person who spiked treats with sleeping medication and distributed them to minors at a youth camp in the region has admitted sexual crimes against two young males both nine and 10.
The accused was taken into custody after eight minors and a grown-up experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
However, he denied one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody ahead of a further hearing on November 28th.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, outlined the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She stated his targets were under-privileged children who were staying at a youth camp which he operated.
Ruben conducted a "treat game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel said, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and tell them to consume candy "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings the man had played this game with the children "repeatedly", and children had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She explained the defendant had been able to explain this repeatedly as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had worries in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "In the summer" his family member had concerns about what was going on, justifiably.
"They decided to examine in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel explained objects including baby oil, ointment and injection devices were located, and his family member notified the police about his suspicions.
She explained the man proceeded to conduct the "candy game" with six children that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that time," she continued.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was reviewing the police response of the situation.
Mrs Prior explained the youngsters were struggling to walk due to their condition, so the family member notified the law enforcement a second time.
She explained Ruben then conducted the "treat game" in a area of five youngsters.
