A man who spiked sweets with sleeping medication and provided them to youngsters at a summer camp in the region has confessed to sexual offences against two young males both nine and ten years old.
The defendant was detained after eight youngsters and one adult fell ill at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, 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 one particular crime he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was held in detention ahead of a additional proceeding on late November.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, described Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She said his those affected were under-privileged children who were participating in a summer camp which he operated.
Ruben engaged in a "candy game" with the children, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge Ruben had played this game with the children "for many years", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She said Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had suspicions in July 2025.
The legal representative added: "Recently" his family member had suspicions about the activities, with valid cause.
"They decided to investigate in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor stated items including baby oil, Vaseline and medical needles were found, and his family member contacted the law enforcement about his worries.
She stated Ruben went on to engage in the "sweet game" with six children that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the next day.
"The police had not gone out by that stage," she continued.
The oversight body, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
Mrs Prior explained the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so the stepson called the authorities once more.
She explained the man then engaged in the "treat game" in a room of five minors.
