A person who spiked sweets with tranquilliser and gave them to children at a youth camp in the area has confessed to sexual crimes against two boys aged between nine and ten.
The defendant was detained after eight youngsters and one adult experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
However, he disputed a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was concerning a young boy.
Ruben was kept in jail prior to a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, described Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She explained his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a summer program which he managed.
Ruben engaged in a "treat game" with the minors, Mrs Prior said, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and request they to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had engaged in this activity with the young males "over an extended period", and minors had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She explained the defendant had been capable of justifying this repeatedly as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had suspicions in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "In the summer" his stepson had worries about the activities, justifiably.
"They decided to investigate in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor explained materials including lubricant, ointment and medical needles were located, and his stepchild contacted the authorities about his concerns.
She stated the defendant proceeded to play the "candy game" with six youngsters that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the following morning.
"The police had not gone out by that point," she added.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, had stated that it was examining law enforcement's management of the incident.
The prosecutor explained the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson contacted the police a second time.
She explained Ruben then conducted the "treat game" in a space of five children.
