A man who spiked candy with sedative and provided them to children at a youth camp in the region has admitted sexual offences against two children both between nine and ten.
The defendant was detained after eight children and a grown-up experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at the judicial center on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he disputed one particular crime he was facing, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody before a further hearing on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, detailed the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She said his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a summer camp which he managed.
The man played a "candy game" with the children, Mrs Prior said, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and ask them to consume candy "rapidly".
She told the court Ruben had conducted this practice with the boys "over an extended period", and minors had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She explained the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had suspicions in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "Recently" his stepson had worries about the activities, for good reason.
"They chose" to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC explained items including infant oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were located, and his stepchild contacted the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She said the defendant proceeded to play the "sweet game" with six children that time - that Saturday - and they were all sick the following morning.
"The police had not responded by that point," she continued.
The oversight body, the investigative body, previously told that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
The prosecutor stated the minors were struggling to walk due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson contacted the police a second time.
She explained Ruben then played the "candy game" in a room of five children.
