A man who laced sweets with tranquilliser and distributed them to youngsters at a summer camp in the region has admitted sexual crimes against two young males aged nine and ten years old.
The defendant was detained after eight children and an older person became sick at the location in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
Yet, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was facing, which was involving a young boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody ahead of a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, detailed the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She explained his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a youth camp which he ran.
The defendant engaged in a "candy game" with the minors, Mrs Prior said, in which he would go into the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the man had conducted this practice with the young males "repeatedly", and children had previously become sick the following morning.
She said the man had been able to explain this for many years as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had concerns in July 2025.
The legal representative continued: "This year his family member had suspicions about the activities, justifiably.
"They resolved" to investigate in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel stated items including infant oil, petroleum jelly and syringes were discovered, and his stepchild alerted the police about his worries.
She stated Ruben went on to play the "sweet game" with six children that evening - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"The police had not responded by that time," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
Mrs Prior explained the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the stepson called the police again.
She explained the man then played the "sweet game" in a space of five minors.
