An individual who spiked treats with sedative and provided them to children at a summer program in the area has admitted sexual offenses against two boys who were nine and ten years old.
The defendant was detained after eight minors and an older person became sick at Stathern Lodge in July.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Nevertheless, he disputed a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was held in detention ahead of a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, outlined the criminal behavior to the court.
She explained his victims were under-privileged children who were attending a summer camp which he ran.
Ruben engaged in a "sweet game" with the children, the legal counsel explained, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and request they to consume candy "rapidly".
She stated to the judge the defendant had conducted this practice with the boys "repeatedly", and minors had previously become sick the following morning.
She explained Ruben had been able to explain this over a long period as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had concerns in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "Recently" his stepson had worries about the situation, for good reason.
"They resolved" to investigate in the individual's items."
The legal counsel explained objects including lubricant, ointment and syringes were found, and his stepson notified the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She explained the man proceeded to play the "candy game" with six children that night - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that point," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was investigating the police response of the incident.
Mrs Prior stated the minors were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson called the law enforcement a second time.
She stated Ruben then engaged in the "treat game" in a area of five youngsters.
