A person who laced sweets with tranquilliser and distributed them to youngsters at a summer program in the area has confessed to sexual offences against two boys aged nine and 10.
The accused was arrested after eight minors and one adult fell ill at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Nevertheless, he disputed one particular crime he was facing, which was against a young boy.
The accused was remanded in custody ahead of a further hearing on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, outlined Ruben's offending to the court.
She explained his victims were under-privileged children who were attending a summer program which he managed.
The defendant engaged in a "treat game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She told the court Ruben had played this game with the boys "repeatedly", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She explained the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had suspicions in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "In the summer" his stepson had concerns about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They decided to investigate in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel stated items including infant oil, petroleum jelly and syringes were found, and his stepson contacted the police about his suspicions.
She said the defendant went on to play the "treat game" with six youngsters that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Authorities" had not responded by that point," she added.
The oversight body, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the events.
The legal representative explained the minors were struggling to walk due to their condition, so the family member called the police once more.
She stated the man then engaged in the "sweet game" in a area of five youngsters.
