A person who spiked sweets with sedative and provided them to children at a summer program in the area has admitted sexual crimes against two boys who were between nine and ten.
The defendant was arrested after eight youngsters and a grown-up experienced illness at the location in July.
The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
Yet, he denied a single sexual charge he was facing, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was held in detention before a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, handling the case, outlined the criminal behavior to the court.
She said his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a youth camp which he operated.
The man engaged in a "treat game" with the children, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She told the court the man had conducted this practice with the young males "repeatedly", and minors had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She explained Ruben had been able to explain this over a long period as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had concerns in July 2025.
The prosecutor added: "In the summer" his family member had concerns about the situation, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to examine in the individual's items."
The prosecutor explained items including infant oil, Vaseline and syringes were located, and his stepchild notified the law enforcement about his worries.
She said Ruben proceeded to conduct the "treat game" with six youngsters that evening - that Saturday - and they were all sick the following morning.
"The police had not responded by that stage," she added.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was examining the police response of the situation.
The legal representative stated the minors were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the stepson called the law enforcement once more.
She stated Ruben then conducted the "candy game" in a area of five youngsters.
