A man who spiked sweets with tranquilliser and gave them to youngsters at a summer camp in the area has confessed to sexual offenses against two children both nine and 10.
The accused was detained after eight minors and one adult became sick at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at the courthouse on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he disputed a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was against a young boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody ahead of a further hearing on late November.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, outlined Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She said his targets were under-privileged children who were participating in a youth camp which he managed.
The man conducted a "treat game" with the children, the legal counsel stated, in which he would go into the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had played this game with the young males "repeatedly", and children had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She said the man had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had concerns in July 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "Recently" his family member had concerns about the situation, justifiably.
"They resolved" to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel explained items including baby oil, Vaseline and medical needles were located, and his stepson alerted the police about his worries.
She said Ruben proceeded to conduct the "candy game" with six boys that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the next day.
"The police had not arrived by that time," she added.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
The prosecutor stated the children were struggling to walk due to their condition, so the family member contacted the police a second time.
She stated the defendant then conducted the "treat game" in a area of five children.
