A man who contaminated treats with sedative and gave them to children at a youth camp in the area has admitted sexual offenses against two children aged between nine and ten.
The defendant was detained after eight children and an older person fell ill at the facility in July.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
Yet, he disputed one particular crime he was facing, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
The accused was remanded in custody before a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, described Ruben's offending to the court.
She explained his targets were under-privileged children who were staying at a youth camp which he managed.
Ruben conducted a "treat game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and request they to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the defendant had played this game with the young males "for many years", and minors had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She explained Ruben had been able to explain this for many years as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had concerns in summer 2025.
The prosecutor added: "This year his stepson had suspicions about what was going on, for good reason.
"They chose" to examine in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor explained objects including infant oil, Vaseline and medical needles were discovered, and his family member notified the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She stated the defendant proceeded to play the "sweet game" with six youngsters that evening - that Saturday - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"The police had not arrived by that point," she continued.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, previously told that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the situation.
The legal representative said the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the family member notified the police a second time.
She said Ruben then engaged in the "sweet game" in a room of five children.
