A man who laced candy with tranquilliser and gave them to youngsters at a youth camp in the area has admitted sexual offenses against two children both nine and ten years old.
The defendant was arrested after eight youngsters and one adult experienced illness at the location in July.
The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he stood at the judicial center on Friday.
Nevertheless, he disputed one particular crime he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
The accused was kept in jail before a subsequent court date on late November.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, outlined Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She said his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a youth camp which he operated.
The defendant conducted a "candy game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor explained, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to consume candy "rapidly".
She stated to the judge Ruben had conducted this practice with the boys "repeatedly", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She stated the defendant had been able to explain this over a long period as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had suspicions in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "In the summer" his stepson had concerns about the activities, for good reason.
"They chose" to examine in the individual's items."
The legal counsel stated materials including lubricant, petroleum jelly and medical needles were found, and his stepson notified the law enforcement about his worries.
She explained the man continued to play the "candy game" with six youngsters that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"The police had not gone out by that point," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, previously told that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
Mrs Prior explained the minors were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the family member contacted the law enforcement once more.
She stated the man then conducted the "treat game" in a space of five minors.
