An individual who laced candy with tranquilliser and distributed them to children at a youth camp in the area has admitted sexual offences against two young males aged between nine and ten.
The defendant was detained after eight youngsters and an older person became sick at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at the courthouse on the end of the week.
Yet, he denied one particular crime he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was remanded in custody ahead of a further hearing on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, described the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She stated his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a summer program which he managed.
Ruben conducted a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel explained, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and request they to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She told the court the defendant had engaged in this activity with the young males "over an extended period", and children had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She stated Ruben had been able to explain this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had worries in summer 2025.
The legal representative added: "Recently" his family member had suspicions about the situation, justifiably.
"They decided to investigate in the individual's items."
The legal counsel explained materials including baby oil, petroleum jelly and syringes were discovered, and his stepson alerted the authorities about his worries.
She explained the defendant proceeded to engage in the "sweet game" with six youngsters that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that time," she continued.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
Mrs Prior stated the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so the stepson called the law enforcement again.
She stated the man then engaged in the "sweet game" in a space of five minors.
