A person who laced treats with sedative and provided them to minors at a summer camp in the area has confessed to sexual offenses against two children both between nine and ten.
The defendant was arrested after eight minors and a grown-up became sick at Stathern Lodge in July.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at the courthouse on Friday.
Nevertheless, he denied one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was against a young boy.
Ruben was held in detention prior to a subsequent court date on late November.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, handling the case, detailed the defendant's actions to the court.
She explained his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer camp which he operated.
The defendant engaged in a "candy game" with the children, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and request they to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings the man had played this game with the young males "over an extended period", and children had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She explained Ruben had been capable of justifying this for many years as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had concerns in July 2025.
The legal representative continued: "This year his stepchild had worries about the activities, for good reason.
"They resolved" to have a look in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor stated materials including baby oil, ointment and medical needles were discovered, and his stepson contacted the law enforcement about his worries.
She stated the defendant went on to conduct the "treat game" with six youngsters that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"The police had not responded by that time," she continued.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
The legal representative explained the children were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the family member called the authorities again.
She stated Ruben then engaged in the "candy game" in a area of five youngsters.
