A person who spiked treats with tranquilliser and distributed them to minors at a youth camp in the region has confessed to sexual crimes against two boys who were between nine and ten.
The defendant was detained after eight minors and an older person experienced illness at the location in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he denied a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was concerning a young boy.
The defendant was held in detention before a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, detailed Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She stated his those affected were under-privileged children who were staying at a summer program which he operated.
The man conducted a "candy game" with the children, the prosecutor said, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and tell them to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the defendant had engaged in this activity with the children "repeatedly", and children had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She explained the man had been able to explain this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had concerns in summer 2025.
The prosecutor added: "Recently" his stepson had suspicions about the situation, justifiably.
"They resolved" to examine in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel stated objects including lubricant, ointment and injection devices were found, and his stepson notified the law enforcement about his worries.
She explained the man went on to conduct the "candy game" with six boys that evening - that Saturday - and they were all ill the following morning.
"The police had not gone out by that time," she added.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
The prosecutor said the children were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson called the authorities a second time.
She explained the defendant then played the "candy game" in a room of five youngsters.
