An individual who contaminated treats with sedative and provided them to children at a summer camp in the region has confessed to sexual crimes against two boys both nine and 10.
The defendant was arrested after eight youngsters and a grown-up experienced illness 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 the end of the week.
Yet, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was remanded in custody before a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, outlined the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She explained his victims were under-privileged children who were participating in a summer camp which he ran.
The defendant engaged in a "candy game" with the children, the prosecutor said, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and tell them to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge the defendant had conducted this practice with the boys "repeatedly", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She explained the man had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had worries in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "Recently" his family member had concerns about the situation, with valid cause.
"They chose" to have a look in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor explained items including lubricant, ointment and medical needles were discovered, and his stepchild notified the authorities about his suspicions.
She explained Ruben continued to play the "treat game" with six youngsters that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the next day.
"The police had not arrived by that time," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
Mrs Prior stated the youngsters were struggling to walk due to their condition, so the family member contacted the police a second time.
She stated Ruben then conducted the "treat game" in a space of five minors.
