A man who contaminated candy with tranquilliser and gave them to youngsters at a summer camp in the region has admitted sexual offenses against two boys who were between nine and ten.
The accused was taken into custody after eight minors and a grown-up experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in July.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at the judicial center on Friday.
Yet, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was against a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was kept in jail prior to a further hearing on November 28th.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, detailed Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She said his targets were under-privileged children who were participating in a summer program which he operated.
The defendant played a "candy game" with the minors, the prosecutor explained, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She told the court the defendant had conducted this practice with the children "for many years", and minors had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She explained Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had suspicions in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "This year his stepchild had suspicions about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to investigate in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel explained materials including lubricant, ointment and syringes were located, and his family member notified the law enforcement about his concerns.
She said the man went on to play the "treat game" with six youngsters that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that time," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
The legal representative said the children were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the family member contacted the law enforcement a second time.
She stated the man then conducted the "treat game" in a area of five children.
