An individual who laced sweets with sleeping medication and gave them to youngsters at a summer program in the area has confessed to sexual crimes against two boys both nine and 10.
The defendant was detained after eight minors and an older person fell ill at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
Nevertheless, he denied one particular crime he was facing, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody before a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, detailed the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She said his victims were under-privileged children who were staying at a youth camp which he operated.
The defendant conducted a "candy game" with the children, the prosecutor explained, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge the defendant had engaged in this activity with the children "for many years", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She said Ruben had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had suspicions in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "In the summer" his stepson had concerns about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor explained objects including lubricant, Vaseline and syringes were found, and his family member alerted the law enforcement about his worries.
She explained Ruben went on to engage in the "candy game" with six youngsters that evening - that Saturday - and they were all sick the following morning.
"The police had not gone out by that stage," she continued.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, had stated that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the events.
The prosecutor said the minors were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the family member contacted the police again.
She explained Ruben then engaged in the "treat game" in a room of five children.
