A man who contaminated candy with sedative and provided them to children at a summer camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two children who were nine and 10.
The accused was arrested after eight minors and an older person experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
However, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody prior to a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, described the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She said his victims were under-privileged children who were participating in a summer program which he operated.
Ruben conducted a "treat game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and ask them to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had played this game with the children "for many years", and youngsters had previously become sick the following morning.
She explained Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had suspicions in summer 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "In the summer" his stepchild had concerns about what was going on, justifiably.
"They decided to investigate in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel said objects including baby oil, petroleum jelly and syringes were located, and his stepchild notified the authorities about his concerns.
She explained Ruben proceeded to conduct the "sweet game" with six boys that night - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that stage," she continued.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, had stated that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
The legal representative stated the minors were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the stepson contacted the authorities again.
She said Ruben then conducted the "sweet game" in a area of five minors.
