An individual who laced sweets with tranquilliser and distributed them to children at a summer camp in the area has confessed to sexual offences against two boys aged between nine and ten.
The accused was detained after eight children and an older person experienced illness at the location in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at the courthouse on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he disputed one particular crime he was facing, which was against a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was remanded in custody ahead of a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, described the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She said his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a youth camp which he operated.
The man conducted a "treat game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor said, in which he would go into the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and tell them to eat sweets "rapidly".
She stated to the judge Ruben had played this game with the boys "repeatedly", and minors had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She said the defendant had been able to explain this over a long period as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had concerns in summer 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "In the summer" his stepson had concerns about the activities, justifiably.
"They resolved" to examine in the individual's items."
The prosecutor said materials including infant oil, Vaseline and medical needles were located, and his family member notified the police about his concerns.
She said Ruben went on to engage in the "treat game" with six youngsters that evening - July 26th - and they were all ill the next day.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that stage," she added.
The oversight body, the investigative body, had stated that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
The prosecutor said the youngsters were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson notified the police once more.
She stated Ruben then played the "treat game" in a room of five youngsters.
