A man who contaminated candy with sedative and distributed them to youngsters at a youth camp in the region has confessed to sexual crimes against two boys both nine and 10.
The accused was taken into custody after eight children and an older person experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was kept in jail ahead of a further hearing on late November.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, described the criminal behavior to the court.
She explained his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer program which he managed.
The defendant played a "treat game" with the minors, the prosecutor said, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and request they to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had played this game with the young males "over an extended period", and minors had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She said the defendant had been able to explain this over a long period as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had worries in July 2025.
The prosecutor added: "Recently" his family member had worries about the situation, justifiably.
"They chose" to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC explained objects including infant oil, Vaseline and medical needles were discovered, and his family member alerted the police about his worries.
She explained the man went on to conduct the "candy game" with six children that time - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that point," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
The legal representative explained the minors were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson contacted the police a second time.
She stated Ruben then engaged in the "treat game" in a room of five children.
