A person who laced sweets with sedative and provided them to children at a summer camp in the area has confessed to sexual offences against two children who were nine and 10.
The defendant was detained after eight children and a grown-up became sick at Stathern Lodge in July.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at the judicial center on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit one particular crime he was facing, which was against a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was held in detention ahead of a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, described the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She stated his those affected were under-privileged children who were participating in a summer program which he operated.
Ruben played a "sweet game" with the children, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and tell them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She told the court the defendant had conducted this practice with the young males "over an extended period", and children had previously fallen ill the next day.
She said Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had concerns in July 2025.
The prosecutor stated further: "In the summer" his stepchild had suspicions about the activities, for good reason.
"They chose" to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel stated objects including baby oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were located, and his stepchild notified the authorities about his suspicions.
She explained the defendant proceeded to play the "candy game" with six boys that evening - that Saturday - and they were all ill the following morning.
"The police had not arrived by that time," she added.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, had stated that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
The legal representative said the minors were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson notified the authorities again.
She said the man then conducted the "treat game" in a room of five youngsters.
