A man who spiked candy with sedative and provided them to minors at a summer program in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two children who were nine and 10.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight children and a grown-up fell ill at Stathern Lodge in July.
The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
Yet, he refused to admit one particular crime he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was remanded in custody before a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, outlined Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She explained his victims were under-privileged children who were attending a summer camp which he managed.
The defendant conducted a "sweet game" with the minors, Mrs Prior said, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and request they to eat sweets "rapidly".
She stated to the judge Ruben had played this game with the children "repeatedly", and minors had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She stated the man had been able to explain this for many years as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had concerns in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "In the summer" his family member had concerns about the activities, justifiably.
"They resolved" to examine in the individual's items."
The legal counsel stated materials including infant oil, ointment and syringes were located, and his stepchild contacted the police about his worries.
She said the man continued to conduct the "treat game" with six youngsters that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that time," she continued.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was examining the police response of the incident.
The prosecutor stated the minors were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the stepson called the police again.
She said the defendant then conducted the "treat game" in a area of five minors.
