A person who spiked treats with tranquilliser and distributed them to children at a summer program in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two boys aged between nine and ten.
The defendant was arrested after eight children and one adult became sick at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
Yet, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
The accused was held in detention prior to a further hearing on 28 November.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, described Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She said his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a summer program which he ran.
The defendant played a "candy game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel said, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and request they to ingest treats "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings the man had engaged in this activity with the children "repeatedly", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She stated the man had been able to explain this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had suspicions in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "Recently" his stepchild had suspicions about what was going on, justifiably.
"They decided to examine in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel stated items including baby oil, Vaseline and syringes were found, and his stepchild notified the authorities about his concerns.
She explained the defendant continued to engage in the "candy game" with six boys that evening - July 26th - and they were all sick the following morning.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that time," she continued.
The oversight body, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
The legal representative said the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson notified the law enforcement again.
She explained the man then conducted the "treat game" in a room of five minors.
