A person who spiked sweets with tranquilliser and provided them to youngsters at a summer camp in the region has confessed to sexual crimes against two young males both nine and 10.
The accused was arrested after eight youngsters and one adult became sick at the facility in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, 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 one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was involving a young boy.
The accused was kept in jail ahead of a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, outlined the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She explained his victims were under-privileged children who were participating in a youth camp which he managed.
The man engaged in a "sweet game" with the children, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had played this game with the boys "for many years", and minors had previously fallen ill the next day.
She said Ruben had been able to explain this over a long period as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had suspicions in summer 2025.
The legal representative continued: "Recently" his stepchild had concerns about the activities, for good reason.
"They chose" to examine in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel explained objects including lubricant, Vaseline and medical needles were found, and his stepchild notified the authorities about his concerns.
She said the man proceeded to engage in the "candy game" with six youngsters that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that point," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the incident.
The prosecutor explained the minors were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so the stepson called the police once more.
She explained the defendant then conducted the "sweet game" in a room of five minors.
