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A person who spiked candy with sedative and provided them to children at a youth camp in the region has admitted sexual offenses against two young males who were between nine and ten.

The defendant was taken into custody after eight minors and a grown-up became sick at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.

The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on recently.

However, he disputed a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was involving a young boy.

The defendant was held in detention ahead of a subsequent court date on late November.

'Sweet game'

Mary Prior KC, handling the case, described Ruben's offending to the judicial body.

She stated his victims were under-privileged children who were staying at a youth camp which he operated.

Ruben played a "treat game" with the minors, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to consume candy "as fast as possible".

She told the court the defendant had engaged in this activity with the young males "for many years", and minors had previously become sick the next day.

She said the man had been able to explain this over a long period as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had worries in summer 2025.

Mrs Prior KC added: "In the summer" his family member had worries about what was going on, justifiably.

"They chose" to have a look in the man's possessions."

Mrs Prior KC said objects including infant oil, Vaseline and medical needles were found, and his stepchild contacted the police about his suspicions.

She said Ruben continued to engage in the "sweet game" with six youngsters that evening - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.

"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that time," she continued.

The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.

Mrs Prior stated the children were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so the stepson called the law enforcement a second time.

She stated the man then conducted the "treat game" in a room of five youngsters.