A man who spiked candy with tranquilliser and provided them to youngsters at a summer camp in the region has confessed to sexual crimes against two young males who were nine and 10.
The accused was arrested after eight children and one adult became sick at the location in mid-summer.
The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he disputed one particular crime he was accused of, which was against a young boy.
Ruben was held in detention before a additional proceeding on late November.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, detailed the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She said his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a youth camp which he operated.
Ruben engaged in a "treat game" with the minors, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to consume candy "rapidly".
She stated to the judge the defendant had conducted this practice with the boys "over an extended period", and youngsters had previously become sick the following morning.
She said Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had worries in summer 2025.
The legal representative added: "Recently" his stepchild had suspicions about the activities, for good reason.
"They chose" to investigate in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC stated items including infant oil, ointment and medical needles were discovered, and his stepson notified the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She stated the man went on to engage in the "sweet game" with six children that night - that Saturday - and they were all sick the next day.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that stage," she added.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was examining law enforcement's management of the incident.
The prosecutor explained the children were struggling to walk due to being ill, so the stepson contacted the authorities again.
She stated the defendant then conducted the "sweet game" in a space of five children.
