A person who laced sweets with sedative and provided them to children at a summer program in the area has admitted sexual crimes against two children aged nine and 10.
The defendant was detained after eight minors and an older person fell ill at Stathern Lodge in July.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
However, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was against a young boy.
The accused was kept in jail before a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, outlined the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She explained his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a summer camp which he managed.
The man played a "sweet game" with the minors, the legal counsel explained, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to ingest treats "rapidly".
She stated to the judge Ruben had engaged in this activity with the young males "over an extended period", and children had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She stated Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had concerns in summer 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "In the summer" his stepchild had suspicions about the situation, with valid cause.
"They chose" to examine in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC said objects including infant oil, Vaseline and syringes were discovered, and his stepchild notified the authorities about his worries.
She stated the man went on to play the "candy game" with six children that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"The police had not responded by that time," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, previously told that it was examining law enforcement's management of the events.
Mrs Prior stated the minors were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the stepson called the police again.
She explained Ruben then conducted the "candy game" in a area of five minors.
