A person who contaminated sweets with sedative and gave them to youngsters at a summer program in the region has admitted sexual offences against two children both nine and 10.
The defendant was detained after eight children and one adult experienced illness at the facility in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he denied one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was held in detention prior to a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, described Ruben's offending to the court.
She stated his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a youth camp which he ran.
The man conducted a "treat game" with the children, Mrs Prior said, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She told the court the defendant had conducted this practice with the boys "over an extended period", and children had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She explained the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had concerns in summer 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "This year his stepchild had suspicions about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They chose" to examine in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor said objects including baby oil, ointment and syringes were found, and his family member notified the law enforcement about his worries.
She said the man went on to play the "treat game" with six boys that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"The police had not responded by that point," she added.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, had stated that it was examining the police response of the situation.
The prosecutor explained the minors were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so the stepson notified the police again.
She stated the defendant then engaged in the "treat game" in a area of five minors.
