A man who spiked sweets with tranquilliser and gave them to children at a youth camp in the region has admitted sexual crimes against two young males aged between nine and ten.
The defendant was arrested after eight children and an older person became sick at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
Yet, he refused to admit one particular crime he was facing, which was concerning a young boy.
The defendant was kept in jail prior to a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, outlined the defendant's actions to the court.
She explained his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a youth camp which he ran.
The defendant played a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor stated, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and request they to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She told the court Ruben had engaged in this activity with the young males "over an extended period", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She said the man had been capable of justifying this for many years as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had concerns in July 2025.
The legal representative added: "This year his stepson had concerns about what was going on, for good reason.
"They decided to investigate in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC explained items including baby oil, Vaseline and syringes were located, and his stepson contacted the authorities about his suspicions.
She explained Ruben proceeded to play the "candy game" with six children that evening - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that stage," she continued.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, previously told that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the situation.
The prosecutor said the minors were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the stepson contacted the police once more.
She stated the man then engaged in the "sweet game" in a area of five youngsters.
