A man who spiked sweets with sedative and provided them to youngsters at a youth camp in the region has admitted sexual offences against two boys both nine and 10.
The defendant was detained after eight minors and one adult became sick at the facility in July.
The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he stood at the courthouse on recently.
However, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was involving a young boy.
The defendant was held in detention ahead of a additional proceeding on late November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, detailed the criminal behavior to the court.
She said his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a youth camp which he managed.
Ruben conducted a "candy game" with the children, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and ask them to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge Ruben had played this game with the young males "for many years", and youngsters had previously become sick the following morning.
She explained the man had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had worries in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "Recently" his family member had concerns about the activities, for good reason.
"They resolved" to have a look in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel explained materials including baby oil, petroleum jelly and injection devices were located, and his stepson contacted the police about his suspicions.
She explained Ruben proceeded to conduct the "sweet game" with six youngsters that night - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that stage," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, previously told that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
Mrs Prior stated the minors were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the stepson contacted the authorities again.
She said Ruben then played the "sweet game" in a area of five youngsters.
