A man who spiked sweets with tranquilliser and distributed them to youngsters at a youth camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two children who were nine and 10.
The defendant was detained after eight children and a grown-up became sick at the facility in the summer month.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
Yet, he denied a single sexual charge he was facing, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was held in detention before a further hearing on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, outlined the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She explained his those affected were under-privileged children who were staying at a summer camp which he operated.
The man conducted a "candy game" with the children, Mrs Prior said, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the man had engaged in this activity with the children "repeatedly", and children had previously become sick the next day.
She stated the defendant had been capable of justifying this for many years as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had worries in summer 2025.
The legal representative continued: "Recently" his stepchild had worries about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to examine in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC explained objects including baby oil, ointment and medical needles were found, and his stepson alerted the police about his suspicions.
She said Ruben continued to engage in the "treat game" with six boys that night - July 26th - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that point," she added.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
Mrs Prior said the children were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson contacted the authorities again.
She stated Ruben then played the "treat game" in a space of five youngsters.
