An individual who spiked sweets with tranquilliser and provided them to minors at a summer program in the area has confessed to sexual offences against two young males aged nine and 10.
The accused was arrested after eight minors and a grown-up experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was against a young boy.
The accused was remanded in custody ahead of a additional proceeding on late November.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, handling the case, outlined Ruben's offending to the court.
She stated his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a youth camp which he managed.
The defendant engaged in a "candy game" with the minors, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were settling down and tell them to consume candy "rapidly".
She told the court Ruben had conducted this practice with the boys "for many years", and children had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She explained the defendant had been able to explain this repeatedly as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had suspicions in summer 2025.
The prosecutor added: "Recently" his stepchild had concerns about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They chose" to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel explained objects including infant oil, Vaseline and medical needles were located, and his family member notified the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She stated the man proceeded to play the "sweet game" with six children that night - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that point," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the events.
The legal representative explained the children were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson contacted the law enforcement again.
She stated Ruben then played the "candy game" in a space of five children.
