An individual who contaminated candy with sleeping medication and distributed them to minors at a summer camp in the area has admitted sexual crimes against two boys aged nine and ten years old.
The defendant was arrested after eight children and a grown-up fell ill at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
Nevertheless, he denied a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody ahead of a additional proceeding on late November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, detailed the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She stated his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a youth camp which he managed.
Ruben conducted a "treat game" with the children, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and request they to consume candy "rapidly".
She stated to the judge Ruben had played this game with the boys "over an extended period", and minors had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She stated the man had been capable of justifying this for many years as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had worries in July 2025.
The prosecutor added: "This year his stepchild had concerns about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They decided to have a look in the individual's items."
The legal counsel explained objects including lubricant, ointment and injection devices were found, and his stepson contacted the authorities about his suspicions.
She said the defendant proceeded to engage in the "treat game" with six boys that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the following morning.
"The police had not arrived by that stage," she added.
The oversight body, the investigative body, had stated that it was reviewing the police response of the situation.
The prosecutor stated the minors were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the stepson called the authorities a second time.
She said the man then conducted the "treat game" in a room of five minors.
