A person who laced treats with sedative and gave them to youngsters at a summer program in the region has admitted sexual offenses against two children aged nine and 10.
The accused was detained after eight youngsters and one adult fell ill at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was remanded in custody prior to a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, detailed the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She explained his targets were under-privileged children who were participating in a summer camp which he managed.
The defendant conducted a "candy game" with the minors, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge the defendant had conducted this practice with the children "repeatedly", and children had previously become sick the next day.
She stated the man had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had concerns in July 2025.
The legal representative continued: "This year his stepchild had suspicions about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They decided to have a look in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC explained objects including lubricant, Vaseline and syringes were discovered, and his stepson notified the police about his concerns.
She said the man went on to engage in the "candy game" with six boys that time - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that time," she added.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, had stated that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
The legal representative said the minors were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the stepson notified the law enforcement a second time.
She said the man then played the "candy game" in a room of five youngsters.
