An individual who contaminated treats with tranquilliser and distributed them to minors at a youth camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two boys who were nine and ten years old.
The accused was arrested after eight children and an older person experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in July.
The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Nevertheless, he denied one particular crime he was charged with, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was held in detention ahead of a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, detailed the criminal behavior to the court.
She said his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a summer camp which he ran.
Ruben played a "sweet game" with the minors, the prosecutor said, in which he would go into the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and tell them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She told the court Ruben had conducted this practice with the young males "repeatedly", and children had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She said the defendant had been capable of justifying this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had suspicions in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "Recently" his stepchild had concerns about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC stated materials including infant oil, Vaseline and injection devices were located, and his stepson notified the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She said the man went on to conduct the "sweet game" with six youngsters that night - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that stage," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was examining law enforcement's management of the situation.
The legal representative stated the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so the stepson notified the police a second time.
She said Ruben then conducted the "treat game" in a room of five youngsters.
