An individual who contaminated candy with tranquilliser and distributed them to children at a summer camp in the region has admitted sexual offenses against two boys aged between nine and ten.
The accused was detained after eight minors and a grown-up became sick at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he stood at the judicial center on Friday.
Nevertheless, he disputed one particular crime he was charged with, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was held in detention before a further hearing on late November.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, outlined Ruben's offending to the court.
She explained his victims were under-privileged children who were participating in a youth camp which he ran.
The defendant engaged in a "treat game" with the children, the prosecutor said, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and request they to ingest treats "rapidly".
She stated to the judge Ruben had conducted this practice with the boys "for many years", and minors had previously become sick the next day.
She stated Ruben had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had worries in July 2025.
The prosecutor added: "Recently" his stepson had worries about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They decided to examine in the individual's items."
The legal counsel explained items including lubricant, petroleum jelly and injection devices were located, and his family member notified the authorities about his concerns.
She said the man went on to play the "sweet game" with six boys that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the following morning.
"The police had not arrived by that time," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
Mrs Prior stated the youngsters were struggling to walk due to their condition, so the family member called the police a second time.
She said the defendant then conducted the "candy game" in a area of five youngsters.
