A person who spiked treats with tranquilliser and gave them to children at a youth camp in the region has confessed to sexual crimes against two children both between nine and ten.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight youngsters and one adult experienced illness at the location in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Yet, he denied one particular crime he was charged with, which was involving a young boy.
The accused was kept in jail before a further hearing on late November.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, described Ruben's offending to the court.
She explained his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a youth camp which he managed.
The man engaged in a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor explained, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and request they to eat sweets "rapidly".
She told the court the defendant had played this game with the children "for many years", and minors had previously become sick the following morning.
She stated the man had been able to explain this over a long period as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had suspicions in July 2025.
The prosecutor stated further: "In the summer" his stepchild had concerns about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They chose" to examine in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor said items including baby oil, ointment and injection devices were found, and his family member alerted the police about his worries.
She stated the defendant continued to play the "treat game" with six boys that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the following morning.
"The police had not gone out by that point," she continued.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, had stated that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the incident.
The legal representative stated the children were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so the family member notified the police again.
She stated Ruben then conducted the "treat game" in a space of five children.
