An individual who laced sweets with sedative and gave them to minors at a youth camp in the region has confessed to sexual offences against two children who were nine and 10.
The defendant was arrested after eight minors and one adult became sick at the location in July.
The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he was present at the judicial center on the end of the week.
Yet, he denied one particular crime he was accused of, which was against a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was remanded in custody ahead of a additional proceeding on late November.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, detailed the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She explained his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a youth camp which he operated.
Ruben conducted a "sweet game" with the minors, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to eat sweets "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings the man had conducted this practice with the children "repeatedly", and minors had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She explained the man had been capable of justifying this for many years as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had concerns in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "In the summer" his family member had worries about the situation, for good reason.
"They resolved" to examine in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel explained items including infant oil, petroleum jelly and syringes were discovered, and his family member alerted the authorities about his suspicions.
She explained the defendant went on to engage in the "treat game" with six children that night - that Saturday - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"The police had not responded by that point," she continued.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
Mrs Prior explained the minors were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the stepson called the law enforcement a second time.
She explained the defendant then played the "treat game" in a room of five youngsters.
