A person who laced treats with tranquilliser and distributed them to children at a summer camp in the area has confessed to sexual offenses against two boys who were between nine and ten.
The accused was detained after eight minors and a grown-up experienced illness at the location in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was involving a young boy.
The accused was held in detention before a subsequent court date on late November.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, outlined the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She said his targets were under-privileged children who were participating in a summer camp which he ran.
The man engaged in a "treat game" with the children, the prosecutor said, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and ask them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She told the court Ruben had engaged in this activity with the boys "repeatedly", and children had previously fallen ill the next day.
She stated the man had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had worries in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "Recently" his family member had concerns about what was going on, for good reason.
"They decided to investigate in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel stated items including baby oil, Vaseline and syringes were found, and his stepchild notified the authorities about his worries.
She explained the defendant proceeded to engage in the "sweet game" with six boys that evening - that Saturday - and they were all ill the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that point," she continued.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was reviewing the police response of the incident.
The prosecutor stated the youngsters were struggling to walk due to their condition, so the family member called the authorities a second time.
She explained Ruben then conducted the "treat game" in a area of five youngsters.
