An individual who laced treats with sedative and gave them to minors at a youth camp in the area has admitted sexual offenses against two children who were nine and 10.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight children and one adult became sick at the facility in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Nevertheless, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was against a nine-year-old child.
The accused was kept in jail prior to a further hearing on late November.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, described the defendant's actions to the court.
She said his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a summer program which he managed.
The man conducted a "sweet game" with the children, Mrs Prior said, in which he would enter 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 children "over an extended period", and children had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She stated the man had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had concerns in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "In the summer" his stepson had suspicions about the activities, for good reason.
"They decided to have a look in the individual's items."
The prosecutor explained objects including baby oil, petroleum jelly and syringes were discovered, and his family member alerted the police about his suspicions.
She stated the defendant proceeded to play the "treat game" with six children that evening - that Saturday - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that point," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was investigating the police response of the situation.
Mrs Prior stated the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson notified the police once more.
She explained the defendant then played the "candy game" in a space of five minors.
