A man who spiked candy with tranquilliser and distributed them to minors at a summer program in the region has admitted sexual offences against two children who were nine and 10.
The accused was detained after eight minors and one adult fell ill at the location in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
However, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was held in detention ahead of a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, described Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She said his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a youth camp which he ran.
The man engaged in a "sweet game" with the children, the legal counsel stated, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and tell them to ingest treats "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings the man had engaged in this activity with the young males "over an extended period", and children had previously become sick the following morning.
She explained the man had been able to explain this over a long period as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had worries in summer 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "This year his stepchild had suspicions about the situation, with valid cause.
"They decided to examine in the individual's items."
The prosecutor stated materials including infant oil, petroleum jelly and injection devices were located, and his stepchild contacted the police about his concerns.
She explained the man went on to conduct the "candy game" with six boys that night - that Saturday - and they were all ill the next day.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that time," she added.
The oversight body, the investigative body, previously told that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
Mrs Prior explained the minors were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson called the law enforcement again.
She said the man then conducted the "treat game" in a room of five minors.
