A person who spiked treats with sedative and provided them to children at a summer camp in the region has admitted sexual offenses against two boys who were nine and ten years old.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight children and one adult fell ill at Stathern Lodge in July.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Yet, he denied one particular crime he was facing, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was kept in jail prior to a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, detailed the criminal behavior to the court.
She explained his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a youth camp which he ran.
The man played a "candy game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor said, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She told the court Ruben had engaged in this activity with the children "repeatedly", and children had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She stated the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had concerns in July 2025.
The prosecutor added: "This year his stepson had concerns about the activities, with valid cause.
"They chose" to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel explained materials including infant oil, Vaseline and medical needles were located, and his stepchild contacted the law enforcement about his concerns.
She explained the man continued to play the "sweet game" with six youngsters that time - July 26th - and they were all sick the following morning.
"The police had not arrived by that point," she stated further.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was examining law enforcement's management of the incident.
Mrs Prior stated the minors were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the family member contacted the law enforcement a second time.
She said the defendant then engaged in the "treat game" in a room of five children.
