An individual who spiked candy with sedative and provided them to youngsters at a summer camp in the area has confessed to sexual offenses against two children who were nine and 10.
The accused was detained after eight children and an older person experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at the courthouse on Friday.
Yet, he denied a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was concerning a young boy.
The accused was kept in jail before a additional proceeding on late November.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, detailed the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She said his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer program which he ran.
The defendant played a "sweet game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would go into the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to consume candy "rapidly".
She stated to the judge the man had engaged in this activity with the boys "over an extended period", and minors had previously become sick the following morning.
She explained Ruben had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had concerns in July 2025.
The prosecutor added: "This year his stepson had worries about what was going on, justifiably.
"They chose" to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor stated objects including infant oil, Vaseline and injection devices were located, and his stepchild notified the police about his suspicions.
She explained Ruben continued to conduct the "treat game" with six youngsters that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that time," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, had stated that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
Mrs Prior stated the children were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson notified the authorities once more.
She said Ruben then played the "candy game" in a area of five minors.
