An individual who laced candy with tranquilliser and gave them to youngsters at a summer program in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two boys who were between nine and ten.
The accused was taken into custody after eight minors and a grown-up became sick at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
However, he denied one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was involving a young boy.
The accused was remanded in custody ahead of a further hearing on November 28th.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, outlined the criminal behavior to the court.
She stated his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a summer camp which he ran.
Ruben engaged in a "candy game" with the minors, the prosecutor explained, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and tell them to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had conducted this practice with the young males "repeatedly", and children had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She said the defendant had been able to explain this for many years as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had worries in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "This year his family member had suspicions about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They chose" to have a look in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel said materials including baby oil, Vaseline and injection devices were discovered, and his stepchild contacted the authorities about his concerns.
She stated Ruben proceeded to play the "candy game" with six youngsters that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the next day.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that stage," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was examining the police response of the events.
The prosecutor said the minors were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson notified the police again.
She stated Ruben then engaged in the "candy game" in a room of five youngsters.
