A person who spiked sweets with sleeping medication and provided them to minors at a youth camp in the region has admitted sexual offenses against two children aged nine and ten years old.
The accused was detained after eight minors and a grown-up fell ill at the location in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit one particular crime he was charged with, which was against a young boy.
The accused was remanded in custody prior to a further hearing on November 28th.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, described Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She explained his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a summer program which he managed.
The defendant conducted a "candy game" with the children, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and ask them to ingest treats "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had played this game with the children "for many years", and minors had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She stated the man had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had concerns in July 2025.
The prosecutor stated further: "In the summer" his family member had suspicions about the activities, for good reason.
"They decided to examine in the individual's items."
The legal counsel stated objects including baby oil, Vaseline and syringes were discovered, and his family member contacted the police about his worries.
She explained Ruben proceeded to conduct the "candy game" with six youngsters that night - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that stage," she added.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, had stated that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
The prosecutor explained the youngsters were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so the stepson notified the authorities again.
She stated the defendant then conducted the "sweet game" in a area of five children.
