A man who laced treats with tranquilliser and provided them to minors at a summer program in the area has confessed to sexual offenses against two young males aged nine and 10.
The accused was taken into custody after eight minors and a grown-up fell ill at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
However, he disputed a single sexual charge he was facing, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was kept in jail ahead of a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, described Ruben's offending to the court.
She explained his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a youth camp which he managed.
The defendant conducted a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor stated, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and tell them to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had played this game with the boys "repeatedly", and children had previously become sick the next day.
She stated the defendant had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had suspicions in July 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "In the summer" his stepchild had worries about the situation, justifiably.
"They decided to investigate in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel stated objects including baby oil, petroleum jelly and injection devices were discovered, and his stepchild alerted the police about his concerns.
She explained Ruben went on to conduct the "sweet game" with six youngsters that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that time," she added.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, had stated that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the situation.
Mrs Prior explained the youngsters were struggling to walk due to their condition, so the family member contacted the authorities again.
She explained Ruben then conducted the "sweet game" in a room of five children.
