An individual who spiked treats with sleeping medication and gave them to children at a youth camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two children both nine and 10.
The accused was arrested after eight youngsters and an older person experienced illness at the facility in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
However, he denied one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was remanded in custody before a subsequent court date on late November.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, handling the case, detailed Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She explained his those affected were under-privileged children who were staying at a youth camp which he operated.
The defendant played a "candy game" with the children, the prosecutor said, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were settling down and tell them to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings the man had engaged in this activity with the children "over an extended period", and children had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She explained the man had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had suspicions in summer 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "In the summer" his stepchild had suspicions about the activities, for good reason.
"They resolved" to examine in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel stated materials including baby oil, Vaseline and syringes were located, and his family member contacted the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She said the man continued to play the "sweet game" with six boys that night - July 26th - and they were all sick the next day.
"The police had not gone out by that time," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the situation.
Mrs Prior stated the children were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson contacted the police a second time.
She stated Ruben then played the "candy game" in a area of five minors.
