A person who contaminated candy with sleeping medication and distributed them to youngsters at a youth camp in the region has admitted sexual crimes against two children both between nine and ten.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight minors and an older person became sick at Stathern Lodge in July.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at the judicial center on Friday.
However, he disputed one particular crime he was accused of, which was concerning a young boy.
The accused was kept in jail ahead of a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, described the defendant's actions to the court.
She explained his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a youth camp which he operated.
Ruben played a "treat game" with the minors, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and request they to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She told the court the man had conducted this practice with the boys "for many years", and children had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She stated Ruben had been capable of justifying this for many years as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had concerns in summer 2025.
The legal representative added: "In the summer" his stepson had concerns about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to investigate in the individual's items."
The prosecutor said objects including baby oil, ointment and syringes were located, and his stepchild notified the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She explained the man went on to engage in the "candy game" with six children that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Authorities" had not responded by that point," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, previously told that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
The prosecutor explained the children were struggling to walk due to their condition, so the stepson notified the authorities once more.
She explained the man then conducted the "candy game" in a area of five youngsters.
