A person who contaminated sweets with sleeping medication and distributed them to youngsters at a youth camp in the region has admitted sexual offenses against two young males who were nine and 10.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight children and one adult experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
However, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was against a young boy.
The accused was held in detention prior to a additional proceeding on late November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, described Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She stated his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a summer camp which he operated.
Ruben engaged in a "treat game" with the children, the prosecutor stated, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and request they to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had played this game with the young males "for many years", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She stated Ruben had been able to explain this over a long period as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had concerns in July 2025.
The prosecutor added: "In the summer" his family member had suspicions about the activities, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to investigate in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC stated items including lubricant, ointment and syringes were found, and his family member notified the law enforcement about his concerns.
She said Ruben proceeded to engage in the "sweet game" with six boys that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"The police had not responded by that time," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the situation.
The prosecutor stated the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the family member contacted the authorities again.
She stated the man then played the "treat game" in a room of five youngsters.
