An individual who laced candy with sedative and distributed them to children at a summer camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two young males who were nine and 10.
The accused was taken into custody after eight youngsters and an older person became sick at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Nevertheless, he denied one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was against a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was remanded in custody ahead of a further hearing on 28 November.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, described the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She said his victims were under-privileged children who were attending a summer camp which he managed.
Ruben conducted a "treat game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge Ruben had played this game with the children "over an extended period", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She said the man had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had concerns in July 2025.
The legal representative added: "This year his stepson had suspicions about what was going on, for good reason.
"They chose" to investigate in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor explained items including infant oil, ointment and syringes were found, and his stepchild notified the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She explained the defendant went on to engage in the "sweet game" with six youngsters that time - that Saturday - and they were all sick the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that point," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
The legal representative said the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the stepson notified the police once more.
She said Ruben then conducted the "sweet game" in a area of five minors.
