A person who spiked sweets with tranquilliser and distributed them to children at a youth camp in the region has confessed to sexual offences against two young males aged nine and ten years old.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight minors and one adult fell ill at the facility in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at the courthouse on Friday.
However, he denied one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was involving a young boy.
Ruben was held in detention ahead of a further hearing on late November.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, outlined Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She stated his victims were under-privileged children who were attending a summer camp which he operated.
Ruben engaged in a "treat game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel said, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She told the court the man had conducted this practice with the boys "over an extended period", and children had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She said the defendant had been able to explain this for many years as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had suspicions in July 2025.
The legal representative continued: "Recently" his stepchild had concerns about the situation, justifiably.
"They decided to examine in the individual's items."
The legal counsel stated objects including baby oil, ointment and syringes were discovered, and his stepchild contacted the authorities about his suspicions.
She stated the man continued to engage in the "candy game" with six children that night - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that stage," she added.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, had stated that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
Mrs Prior explained the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the stepson notified the law enforcement once more.
She explained the man then conducted the "treat game" in a room of five youngsters.
