A man who laced sweets with sleeping medication and gave them to minors at a summer camp in the region has admitted sexual offences against two children who were nine and ten years old.
The accused was taken into custody after eight children and an older person became sick at the location in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was against a nine-year-old child.
The accused was remanded in custody prior to a subsequent court date on late November.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, handling the case, detailed the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She explained his targets were under-privileged children who were staying at a summer camp which he operated.
Ruben engaged in a "candy game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor said, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She told the court the man had conducted this practice with the boys "over an extended period", and minors had previously fallen ill the next day.
She said the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had concerns in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "Recently" his stepchild had concerns about the activities, for good reason.
"They decided to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel said materials including baby oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were located, and his family member notified the police about his worries.
She stated the defendant went on to conduct the "candy game" with six children that night - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that time," she added.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
The legal representative said the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson called the law enforcement again.
She explained the man then engaged in the "sweet game" in a space of five minors.
