A person who spiked treats with sedative and provided them to youngsters at a summer camp in the region has admitted sexual crimes against two young males both between nine and ten.
The accused was taken into custody after eight minors and an older person became sick at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at the judicial center on Friday.
Yet, he denied one particular crime he was charged with, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
The accused was kept in jail ahead of a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, detailed Ruben's offending to the court.
She explained his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer camp which he managed.
The defendant engaged in a "treat game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor stated, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and request they to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She told the court the man had played this game with the children "over an extended period", and minors had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She explained the defendant had been able to explain this over a long period as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had suspicions in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "This year his family member had suspicions about the activities, with valid cause.
"They decided to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC stated materials including infant oil, petroleum jelly and injection devices were discovered, and his family member alerted the authorities about his concerns.
She said Ruben proceeded to engage in the "treat game" with six boys that time - that Saturday - and they were all ill the following morning.
"Authorities" had not responded by that time," she continued.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, previously told that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
The legal representative explained the children were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so the family member notified the police once more.
She said Ruben then conducted the "treat game" in a room of five minors.
