A man who laced candy with sedative and distributed them to children at a summer program in the area has confessed to sexual crimes against two children both nine and 10.
The accused was taken into custody after eight youngsters and an older person fell ill at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was remanded in custody before a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, described the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She stated his those affected were under-privileged children who were staying at a summer camp which he ran.
Ruben engaged in a "sweet game" with the children, the legal counsel stated, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and request they to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge Ruben had conducted this practice with the children "over an extended period", and minors had previously become sick the following morning.
She said Ruben had been capable of justifying this for many years as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had worries in July 2025.
The legal representative added: "This year his family member had concerns about the situation, for good reason.
"They chose" to investigate in the individual's items."
The legal counsel stated materials including infant oil, petroleum jelly and syringes were discovered, and his stepson notified the law enforcement about his concerns.
She stated Ruben continued to conduct the "treat game" with six children that night - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that stage," she continued.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, had stated that it was investigating the police response of the events.
The legal representative stated the minors were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the family member called the authorities again.
She said Ruben then played the "candy game" in a area of five youngsters.
