A man who contaminated treats with tranquilliser and gave them to youngsters at a summer program in the area has admitted sexual offences against two boys aged between nine and ten.
The accused was taken into custody after eight children and one adult fell ill at the location in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he disputed a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was involving a young boy.
The defendant was held in detention ahead of a further hearing on November 28th.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, described the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She said his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a summer camp which he operated.
Ruben conducted a "candy game" with the minors, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and request they to ingest treats "rapidly".
She stated to the judge the man had engaged in this activity with the children "over an extended period", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She said the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had concerns in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "In the summer" his stepchild had concerns about what was going on, for good reason.
"They chose" to have a look in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC stated items including lubricant, Vaseline and syringes were found, and his stepchild contacted the law enforcement about his concerns.
She explained Ruben proceeded to conduct the "candy game" with six children that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that point," she added.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
Mrs Prior explained the minors were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson called the police a second time.
She stated the defendant then engaged in the "candy game" in a room of five youngsters.
