A person who contaminated treats with sedative and distributed them to youngsters at a summer camp in the area has confessed to sexual crimes against two children aged nine and 10.
The defendant was arrested after eight children and one adult became sick at the location in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
However, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was kept in jail before a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, detailed the criminal behavior to the court.
She stated his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a youth camp which he managed.
The man played a "candy game" with the minors, the legal counsel explained, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge the defendant had played this game with the young males "repeatedly", and children had previously fallen ill the next day.
She explained Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had worries in July 2025.
The legal representative continued: "Recently" his stepchild had concerns about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They decided to examine in the individual's items."
The prosecutor explained materials including lubricant, Vaseline and medical needles were found, and his stepchild contacted the police about his suspicions.
She stated the man continued to play the "treat game" with six youngsters that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that time," she added.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, previously told that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
The prosecutor stated the children were struggling to walk due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson contacted the law enforcement again.
She explained Ruben then engaged in the "candy game" in a space of five youngsters.
