A person who laced sweets with tranquilliser and distributed them to youngsters at a summer camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two boys aged between nine and ten.
The defendant was detained after eight children and one adult became sick at Stathern Lodge in July.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at the courthouse on recently.
Yet, he disputed one particular crime he was charged with, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was remanded in custody prior to a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, handling the case, outlined Ruben's offending to the court.
She said his targets were under-privileged children who were staying at a summer program which he operated.
Ruben conducted a "treat game" with the minors, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and request they to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had conducted this practice with the children "for many years", and youngsters had previously become sick the following morning.
She stated Ruben had been able to explain this for many years as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had concerns in July 2025.
The prosecutor stated further: "In the summer" his family member had suspicions about what was going on, justifiably.
"They chose" to have a look in the individual's items."
The legal counsel stated objects including lubricant, Vaseline and syringes were discovered, and his stepson contacted the law enforcement about his worries.
She explained the man proceeded to engage in the "candy game" with six boys that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"The police had not gone out by that stage," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
The prosecutor explained the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the family member notified the police once more.
She explained the defendant then engaged in the "sweet game" in a space of five children.
