A person who spiked sweets with sleeping medication and distributed them to youngsters at a youth camp in the region has admitted sexual offences against two children both nine and 10.
The defendant was detained after eight minors and one adult became sick at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he stood at the courthouse on Friday.
However, he refused to admit one particular crime he was charged with, which was involving a young boy.
Ruben was held in detention before a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, detailed the defendant's actions to the court.
She explained his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer camp which he managed.
The man played a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel explained, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were settling down and request they to ingest treats "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings the man had conducted this practice with the boys "over an extended period", and minors had previously become sick the next day.
She said the man had been able to explain this repeatedly as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had suspicions in summer 2025.
The legal representative continued: "In the summer" his stepchild had worries about the situation, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to examine in the individual's items."
The prosecutor explained materials including infant oil, Vaseline and syringes were discovered, and his stepson contacted the law enforcement about his concerns.
She stated the man went on to conduct the "treat game" with six youngsters that time - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that stage," she continued.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, previously told that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
The legal representative said the children were struggling to walk due to their condition, so the stepson called the law enforcement again.
She said the defendant then engaged in the "candy game" in a area of five minors.
