A man who contaminated treats with sleeping medication and gave them to minors at a youth camp in the area has admitted sexual crimes against two children both between nine and ten.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight youngsters and one adult fell ill at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody before a further hearing on November 28th.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, described Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She stated his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a summer program which he managed.
The defendant conducted a "treat game" with the minors, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had engaged in this activity with the children "over an extended period", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She said the man had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had suspicions in summer 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "In the summer" his stepson had suspicions about the situation, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to have a look in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC explained objects including infant oil, ointment and syringes were located, and his family member contacted the police about his concerns.
She stated Ruben proceeded to play the "sweet game" with six youngsters that time - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"The police had not responded by that time," she continued.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, had stated that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the events.
The prosecutor stated the minors were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the family member called the police again.
She said the man then conducted the "candy game" in a area of five children.
