A man who laced treats with sedative and gave them to youngsters at a summer program in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two boys aged nine and ten years old.
The accused was arrested after eight children and a grown-up became sick at Stathern Lodge in July.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was facing, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was kept in jail before a further hearing on November 28th.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, detailed the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She stated his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a youth camp which he ran.
The defendant played a "treat game" with the minors, the prosecutor explained, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to ingest treats "rapidly".
She told the court Ruben had conducted this practice with the boys "over an extended period", and youngsters had previously become sick the next day.
She explained Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had worries in summer 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "This year his stepson had worries about the situation, for good reason.
"They resolved" to investigate in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel stated items including infant oil, ointment and injection devices were found, and his stepchild contacted the law enforcement about his concerns.
She stated the defendant continued to conduct the "candy game" with six children that evening - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"The police had not arrived by that stage," she continued.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, previously told that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the situation.
The legal representative stated the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson called the law enforcement once more.
She said the defendant then conducted the "treat game" in a space of five youngsters.
