A person who spiked candy with sedative and distributed them to children at a youth camp in the area has admitted sexual offences against two young males both nine and ten years old.
The defendant was detained after eight children and a grown-up fell ill at the location in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at the judicial center on the end of the week.
Yet, he denied one particular crime he was charged with, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was remanded in custody prior to a further hearing on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, described Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She stated his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a youth camp which he ran.
The man engaged in a "candy game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and request they to ingest treats "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had played this game with the young males "repeatedly", and children had previously become sick the next day.
She stated Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had concerns in summer 2025.
The prosecutor stated further: "In the summer" his stepchild had concerns about the situation, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to investigate in the individual's items."
The legal counsel said materials including lubricant, ointment and syringes were found, and his stepson alerted the authorities about his concerns.
She explained the man continued to engage in the "sweet game" with six children that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"The police had not arrived by that time," she continued.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
The prosecutor stated the children were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so the stepson called the police once more.
She stated the man then played the "candy game" in a room of five children.
