An individual who laced treats with tranquilliser and provided them to children at a youth camp in the area has confessed to sexual offences against two young males who were nine and 10.
The defendant was arrested after eight minors and an older person became sick at the facility in July.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
Nevertheless, he denied one particular crime he was accused of, which was against a nine-year-old child.
The accused was held in detention ahead of a additional proceeding on late November.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, described the criminal behavior to the court.
She said his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a summer program which he managed.
The defendant conducted a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel explained, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She told the court the man had engaged in this activity with the boys "for many years", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She explained Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had worries in summer 2025.
The prosecutor stated further: "This year his family member had suspicions about the situation, for good reason.
"They decided to investigate in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC explained objects including baby oil, Vaseline and syringes were found, and his family member contacted the police about his concerns.
She stated the man proceeded to conduct the "treat game" with six boys that time - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"The police had not gone out by that time," she added.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, previously told that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the events.
The legal representative explained the children were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson called the police again.
She explained the man then played the "treat game" in a space of five children.
