A man who contaminated sweets with tranquilliser and gave them to children at a summer program in the area has admitted sexual offences against two young males both nine and 10.
The accused was detained after eight children and a grown-up became sick at Stathern Lodge in July.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
Yet, he denied a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was concerning a young boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody before a subsequent court date on late November.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, detailed the defendant's actions to the court.
She stated his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer camp which he ran.
The defendant played a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor explained, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and ask them to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge the man had conducted this practice with the young males "repeatedly", and children had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She stated the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had concerns in July 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "Recently" his stepchild had worries about the situation, justifiably.
"They chose" to have a look in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor stated materials including infant oil, Vaseline and injection devices were discovered, and his stepchild alerted the authorities about his suspicions.
She explained Ruben went on to conduct the "treat game" with six youngsters that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the following morning.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that time," she added.
The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the incident.
Mrs Prior said the minors were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so the stepson called the authorities again.
She explained Ruben then played the "candy game" in a room of five children.
