A person who spiked sweets with tranquilliser and provided them to minors at a summer program in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two young males aged nine and ten years old.
The accused was arrested after eight minors and a grown-up became sick at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he stood 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.
The accused was remanded in custody prior to a further hearing on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, described Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She said his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a youth camp which he ran.
The man played a "treat game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior said, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to eat sweets "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had conducted this practice with the children "for many years", and youngsters had previously become sick the next day.
She explained the defendant had been capable of justifying this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had concerns in summer 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "In the summer" his stepchild had concerns about the situation, for good reason.
"They decided to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC said items including baby oil, Vaseline and injection devices were located, and his stepson alerted the law enforcement about his worries.
She explained the defendant went on to engage in the "candy game" with six youngsters that evening - that Saturday - and they were all sick the next day.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that stage," she continued.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, previously told that it was examining the police response of the situation.
The legal representative explained the youngsters were struggling to walk due to being ill, so the family member contacted the police again.
She stated Ruben then played the "candy game" in a room of five children.
