A person who spiked sweets with sedative and gave them to minors at a summer program in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two children who were 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 series of 17 offences when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he denied a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was involving a young boy.
The accused was kept in jail ahead of a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, described the defendant's actions to the court.
She said his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a summer camp which he managed.
Ruben engaged in a "treat game" with the children, the prosecutor said, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge Ruben had engaged in this activity with the children "repeatedly", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the next day.
She said the man had been able to explain this over a long period as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had concerns in summer 2025.
The legal representative added: "In the summer" his family member had concerns about the situation, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to have a look in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor explained items including baby oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were discovered, and his stepson contacted the authorities about his concerns.
She said the defendant proceeded to conduct the "treat game" with six boys that evening - that Saturday - and they were all sick the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that time," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, had stated that it was examining the police response of the incident.
The legal representative stated the minors were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so the family member notified the law enforcement a second time.
She said the defendant then played the "sweet game" in a space of five minors.
