A man who spiked candy with sleeping medication and gave them to children at a youth camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two boys aged nine and ten years old.
The accused was detained after eight children and an older person fell ill at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
Yet, he denied one particular crime he was accused of, which was against a young boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody before a additional proceeding on late November.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, described Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She said his targets were under-privileged children who were participating in a summer program which he managed.
The defendant engaged in a "candy game" with the minors, the legal counsel explained, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had engaged in this activity with the boys "for many years", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She said the defendant had been able to explain this over a long period as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had worries in July 2025.
The prosecutor stated further: "This year his stepchild had suspicions about the situation, justifiably.
"They resolved" to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel stated materials including baby oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were located, and his stepchild contacted the police about his worries.
She stated Ruben continued to conduct the "sweet game" with six youngsters that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that point," she added.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, had stated that it was examining the police response of the incident.
The prosecutor stated the minors were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so the stepson contacted the law enforcement once more.
She explained the defendant then conducted the "treat game" in a space of five youngsters.
