A man who laced treats with sedative and distributed them to children at a youth camp in the region has confessed to sexual crimes against two children who were nine and ten years old.
The accused was arrested after eight youngsters and a grown-up fell ill at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
Yet, he disputed one particular crime he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody prior to a subsequent court date on late November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, outlined Ruben's offending to the court.
She stated his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a summer program which he operated.
Ruben engaged in a "candy game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel explained, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to consume candy "rapidly".
She stated to the judge the man had played this game with the boys "for many years", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the next day.
She stated the defendant had been able to explain this repeatedly as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had worries in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "This year his stepchild had concerns about the situation, for good reason.
"They decided to examine in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel said materials including lubricant, petroleum jelly and medical needles were found, and his stepson contacted the police about his concerns.
She said the man continued to engage in the "treat game" with six children that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"The police had not arrived by that point," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, had stated that it was examining law enforcement's management of the situation.
The prosecutor stated the minors were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the stepson contacted the police once more.
She explained the man then played the "candy game" in a space of five youngsters.
