An individual who spiked candy with sedative and distributed them to minors at a summer program in the area has admitted sexual offences against two children aged between nine and ten.
The defendant was arrested after eight children and one adult fell ill 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 the courthouse on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was involving a young boy.
The defendant was held in detention before a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, described the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She said his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a youth camp which he managed.
The man engaged in a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor stated, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were settling down and tell them to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the man had conducted this practice with the children "for many years", and minors had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She stated Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had worries in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "Recently" his family member had worries about what was going on, justifiably.
"They chose" to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor stated objects including baby oil, Vaseline and syringes were located, and his stepson alerted the police about his worries.
She explained the defendant continued to conduct the "treat game" with six youngsters that night - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"The police had not gone out by that point," she continued.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, had stated that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
The legal representative said the minors were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson called the law enforcement again.
She stated Ruben then played the "treat game" in a room of five children.
