A man who laced treats with sleeping medication and provided them to children at a summer camp in the area has admitted sexual crimes against two children both nine and 10.
The accused was detained after eight youngsters and a grown-up fell ill at Stathern Lodge in July.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he was present at the courthouse on the end of the week.
Yet, he refused to admit one particular crime he was charged with, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was kept in jail ahead of a further hearing on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, outlined Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She stated his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a youth camp which he ran.
The defendant engaged in a "treat game" with the minors, the prosecutor stated, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to consume candy "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had conducted this practice with the young males "over an extended period", and children had previously become sick the next day.
She stated Ruben had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had concerns in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "This year his stepson had worries about the situation, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to examine in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor said materials including lubricant, ointment and syringes were located, and his stepchild contacted the authorities about his concerns.
She explained the man continued to conduct the "treat game" with six boys that night - that Saturday - and they were all sick the following morning.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that point," she added.
The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
The prosecutor stated the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so the family member notified the law enforcement a second time.
She explained Ruben then engaged in the "sweet game" in a area of five youngsters.
