A man who laced candy with sedative and provided them to youngsters at a youth camp in the area has admitted sexual offences against two young males both nine and 10.
The accused was detained after eight minors and a grown-up became sick at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
However, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was against a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was held in detention prior to a subsequent court date on late November.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, outlined Ruben's offending to the court.
She said his those affected were under-privileged children who were staying at a summer camp which he ran.
Ruben played a "candy game" with the minors, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and request they to consume candy "rapidly".
She stated to the judge the defendant had engaged in this activity with the children "for many years", and children had previously become sick the next day.
She explained the defendant had been able to explain this repeatedly as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had worries in summer 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "Recently" his stepchild had suspicions about the situation, with valid cause.
"They decided to investigate in the individual's items."
The legal counsel explained items including infant oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were located, and his stepchild alerted the authorities about his worries.
She stated Ruben proceeded to conduct the "sweet game" with six boys that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that stage," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was investigating the police response of the events.
The legal representative said the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the stepson called the police again.
She explained the man then played the "sweet game" in a space of five children.
