An individual who contaminated sweets with sedative and gave them to youngsters at a youth camp in the region has admitted sexual crimes against two young males who were between nine and ten.
The accused was arrested after eight minors and an older person fell ill at the facility in July.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
However, he denied one particular crime he was facing, which was concerning a young boy.
The accused was held in detention ahead of a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, handling the case, described the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She stated his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a summer program which he managed.
The man played a "treat game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor stated, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She told the court Ruben had engaged in this activity with the children "over an extended period", and minors had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She said the defendant had been capable of justifying this repeatedly as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had suspicions in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "Recently" his stepson had suspicions about what was going on, justifiably.
"They decided to investigate in the individual's items."
The legal counsel said materials including infant oil, ointment and syringes were discovered, and his stepchild notified the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She said the defendant continued to engage in the "candy game" with six boys that time - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that stage," she added.
The oversight body, the investigative body, previously told that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
The legal representative stated the minors were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson called the authorities once more.
She stated Ruben then played the "treat game" in a space of five youngsters.
