A person who laced candy with tranquilliser and distributed them to children at a youth camp in the region has admitted sexual offences against two boys aged nine and ten years old.
The defendant was arrested after eight youngsters and an older person fell ill at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he stood at the judicial center on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he disputed a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was remanded in custody before a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, detailed Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She explained his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a summer camp which he ran.
Ruben engaged in a "candy game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor explained, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were settling down and request they to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings the man had conducted this practice with the young males "repeatedly", and children had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She stated the man had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had worries in July 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "In the summer" his stepson had concerns about the situation, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to investigate in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor stated items including baby oil, Vaseline and medical needles were located, and his stepchild contacted the police about his concerns.
She stated the man continued to conduct the "treat game" with six boys that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that point," she added.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, previously told that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
The legal representative stated the minors were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so the stepson notified the police once more.
She said the man then played the "treat game" in a room of five minors.
