An individual who laced candy with sedative and gave them to youngsters at a youth camp in the area has admitted sexual offenses against two young males both between nine and ten.
The accused was taken into custody after eight youngsters and one adult became sick at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he was present at the judicial center on recently.
Nevertheless, he disputed one particular crime he was charged with, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was held in detention before a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, outlined Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She said his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer camp which he managed.
Ruben engaged in a "sweet game" with the children, Mrs Prior said, in which he would go into the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to ingest treats "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had played this game with the boys "repeatedly", and children had previously become sick the following morning.
She said the man had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had suspicions in July 2025.
The legal representative added: "This year his family member had worries about the activities, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to investigate in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC explained items including lubricant, Vaseline and syringes were found, and his stepson alerted the law enforcement about his worries.
She stated Ruben went on to conduct the "treat game" with six boys that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that time," she added.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
Mrs Prior explained the minors were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson notified the authorities a second time.
She stated the defendant then engaged in the "treat game" in a room of five minors.
