A man who spiked candy with tranquilliser and gave them to minors at a youth camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two young males aged nine and ten years old.
The accused was arrested after eight children and an older person experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Nevertheless, he disputed a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was remanded in custody prior to a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, handling the case, outlined Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She explained his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a youth camp which he managed.
Ruben engaged in a "treat game" with the minors, the prosecutor said, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She told the court Ruben had engaged in this activity with the children "for many years", and children had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She explained Ruben had been able to explain this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had concerns in summer 2025.
The legal representative added: "In the summer" his stepson had concerns about the activities, justifiably.
"They resolved" to examine in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor stated items including infant oil, petroleum jelly and syringes were found, and his stepson contacted the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She stated the man went on to play the "sweet game" with six children that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that stage," she continued.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
The prosecutor explained the children were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so the stepson contacted the authorities once more.
She said Ruben then conducted the "treat game" in a area of five youngsters.
