An individual who laced candy with tranquilliser and provided them to youngsters at a summer program in the region has confessed to sexual crimes against two young males aged nine and ten years old.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight minors and an older person experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in July.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
However, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was against a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was held in detention ahead of a further hearing on November 28th.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, described the criminal behavior to the court.
She explained his targets were under-privileged children who were participating in a youth camp which he ran.
The man played a "sweet game" with the minors, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would go into the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and request they to ingest treats "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings the man had played this game with the children "over an extended period", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She said the man had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had concerns in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "Recently" his stepchild had suspicions about the situation, with valid cause.
"They decided to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC explained items including lubricant, Vaseline and syringes were located, and his family member notified the authorities about his suspicions.
She stated the man went on to conduct the "treat game" with six youngsters that time - that Saturday - and they were all ill the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that time," she added.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, had stated that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the events.
The legal representative stated the minors were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so the family member notified the law enforcement a second time.
She stated the defendant then played the "sweet game" in a space of five minors.
