A person who laced treats with sleeping medication and provided them to children at a youth camp in the area has admitted sexual offenses against two young males who were nine and ten years old.
The accused was taken into custody after eight youngsters and an older person became sick at the facility in July.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at the judicial center on Friday.
Nevertheless, he denied one particular crime he was accused of, which was involving a young boy.
The defendant was held in detention prior to a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, outlined the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She explained his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a summer camp which he ran.
The defendant conducted a "sweet game" with the children, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and ask them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had played this game with the children "for many years", and minors had previously become sick the next day.
She said Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had worries in summer 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "In the summer" his stepson had concerns about what was going on, justifiably.
"They decided to investigate in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC stated objects including lubricant, ointment and injection devices were found, and his stepson alerted the authorities about his worries.
She explained the defendant proceeded to play the "candy game" with six children that time - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that time," she added.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, previously told that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
Mrs Prior stated the children were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the family member notified the police a second time.
She stated Ruben then played the "treat game" in a space of five minors.
