A man who laced sweets with tranquilliser and distributed them to children at a youth camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two young males aged nine and 10.
The defendant was detained after eight minors and an older person became sick at the location in mid-summer.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
However, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was against a young boy.
The accused was kept in jail ahead of a further hearing on November 28th.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, outlined Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She stated his those affected were under-privileged children who were staying at a youth camp which he managed.
Ruben played a "candy game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel stated, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings the man had conducted this practice with the young males "for many years", and minors had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She said the man had been able to explain this for many years as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had worries in July 2025.
The prosecutor added: "Recently" his family member had worries about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They chose" to investigate in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor explained objects including infant oil, ointment and injection devices were discovered, and his family member notified the authorities about his worries.
She explained the defendant proceeded to play the "treat game" with six children that time - that Saturday - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that time," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, previously told that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
The prosecutor said the minors were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the stepson notified the police a second time.
She stated the man then engaged in the "candy game" in a space of five children.
