An individual who spiked candy with tranquilliser and gave them to youngsters at a summer program in the area has admitted sexual offenses against two children both between nine and ten.
The accused was taken into custody after eight youngsters and one adult experienced illness at the location in mid-summer.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he stood at the judicial center on Friday.
Yet, he disputed one particular crime he was charged with, which was concerning a young boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody before a further hearing on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, described Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She said his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a youth camp which he ran.
The man conducted a "candy game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior said, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to consume candy "rapidly".
She stated to the judge the man had engaged in this activity with the boys "repeatedly", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She said the defendant had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had concerns in July 2025.
The legal representative added: "Recently" his stepchild had concerns about the activities, for good reason.
"They chose" to investigate in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC stated items including baby oil, Vaseline and injection devices were located, and his family member contacted the authorities about his worries.
She explained the defendant continued to play the "sweet game" with six boys that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"The police had not responded by that time," she added.
The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
The legal representative explained the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson called the police a second time.
She explained Ruben then engaged in the "treat game" in a space of five children.
