A man who contaminated candy with sedative and provided them to minors at a summer camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two boys who were nine and ten years old.
The accused was arrested after eight youngsters and an older person fell ill at Stathern Lodge in July.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
Yet, he denied a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was held in detention ahead of a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, described Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She explained his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a summer program which he ran.
The man conducted a "sweet game" with the minors, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would go into the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and ask them to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge Ruben had engaged in this activity with the boys "over an extended period", and minors had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She stated Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had suspicions in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "This year his stepson had worries about what was going on, for good reason.
"They decided to have a look in the individual's items."
The prosecutor explained materials including lubricant, petroleum jelly and syringes were located, and his stepchild notified the police about his concerns.
She said the defendant went on to engage in the "candy game" with six children that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that stage," she continued.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, previously told that it was examining the police response of the situation.
The prosecutor explained the children were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so the stepson notified the law enforcement once more.
She stated the defendant then engaged in the "treat game" in a area of five youngsters.
