A person who laced treats with sedative and distributed them to minors at a youth camp in the region has confessed to sexual offences against two boys both nine and ten years old.
The accused was arrested after eight children and an older person fell ill at the facility in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at the courthouse on Friday.
However, he disputed one particular crime he was charged with, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
The accused was kept in jail ahead of a subsequent court date on late November.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, outlined the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She stated his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a summer camp which he managed.
Ruben engaged in a "candy game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor stated, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to ingest treats "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had engaged in this activity with the young males "over an extended period", and children had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She said the defendant had been able to explain this repeatedly as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had worries in July 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "This year his stepson had worries about the activities, for good reason.
"They resolved" to examine in the individual's items."
The legal counsel explained materials including baby oil, Vaseline and injection devices were discovered, and his stepchild contacted the authorities about his concerns.
She explained Ruben proceeded to play the "sweet game" with six children that time - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"The police had not arrived by that point," she added.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, had stated that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
The legal representative explained the minors were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson contacted the police a second time.
She stated the defendant then engaged in the "treat game" in a area of five minors.
