An individual who laced sweets with tranquilliser and gave them to minors at a youth camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two young males who were between nine and ten.
The accused was detained after eight children and an older person became sick at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he stood at the courthouse on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he disputed one particular crime he was facing, which was involving a young boy.
The defendant was kept in jail ahead of a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, described the criminal behavior to the court.
She said his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer program which he ran.
The defendant engaged in a "candy game" with the minors, the legal counsel said, in which he would go into the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She told the court the man had played this game with the young males "over an extended period", and children had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She explained the defendant had been able to explain this repeatedly as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had suspicions in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "This year his family member had concerns about the activities, with valid cause.
"They decided to examine in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel stated materials including lubricant, ointment and syringes were discovered, and his stepchild alerted the police about his suspicions.
She stated Ruben continued to conduct the "sweet game" with six youngsters that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that time," she stated further.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
The prosecutor explained the children were struggling to walk due to being ill, so the family member contacted the authorities again.
She stated the defendant then engaged in the "candy game" in a space of five minors.
