A person who laced sweets with tranquilliser and distributed them to children at a summer program in the area has confessed to sexual crimes against two children aged nine and 10.
The accused was arrested after eight children and a grown-up became sick at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The senior citizen, 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.
Yet, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was remanded in custody ahead of a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, detailed the defendant's actions to the court.
She said his those affected were under-privileged children who were attending a summer program which he operated.
The defendant played a "sweet game" with the children, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She told the court Ruben had played this game with the young males "repeatedly", and children had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She explained the man had been able to explain this over a long period as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had worries in summer 2025.
The legal representative continued: "This year his family member had concerns about what was going on, for good reason.
"They chose" to have a look in the individual's items."
The legal counsel said objects including lubricant, ointment and injection devices were discovered, and his stepchild contacted the authorities about his concerns.
She said the man continued to engage in the "treat game" with six boys that night - that Saturday - and they were all sick the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that stage," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the situation.
The prosecutor stated the children were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so the family member notified the authorities again.
She stated Ruben then played the "candy game" in a space of five minors.
