A man who laced candy with tranquilliser and distributed them to youngsters at a youth camp in the area has admitted sexual crimes against two children both nine and 10.
The defendant was detained after eight minors and a grown-up fell ill at the facility in the summer month.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at the courthouse on Friday.
Nevertheless, he denied one particular crime he was accused of, which was against a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was held in detention ahead of a subsequent court date on late November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, described Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She said his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a summer program which he managed.
The defendant engaged in a "treat game" with the children, the legal counsel explained, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were settling down and tell them to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had played this game with the boys "for many years", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She stated the man had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had concerns in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "Recently" his family member had suspicions about the situation, justifiably.
"They decided to examine in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC said objects including infant oil, ointment and injection devices were located, and his family member alerted the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She stated Ruben proceeded to play the "sweet game" with six boys that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the next day.
"The police had not arrived by that time," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
The legal representative stated the children were struggling to walk due to being ill, so the family member contacted the police once more.
She stated Ruben then played the "treat game" in a space of five minors.
