A man who contaminated sweets with sedative and distributed them to minors at a summer camp in the area has confessed to sexual crimes against two young males both nine and 10.
The defendant was detained after eight minors and a grown-up fell ill at Stathern Lodge in July.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at the judicial center on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he disputed one particular crime he was charged with, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was held in detention before a further hearing on 28 November.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, described the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She explained his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a youth camp which he managed.
The defendant engaged in a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel explained, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were settling down and ask them to ingest treats "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had played this game with the boys "over an extended period", and children had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She stated the defendant had been able to explain this for many years as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had suspicions in summer 2025.
The prosecutor added: "In the summer" his family member had concerns about the situation, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to have a look in the individual's items."
The prosecutor stated objects including infant oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were discovered, and his family member notified the law enforcement about his concerns.
She explained the man proceeded to play the "treat game" with six children that time - July 26th - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that point," she continued.
The oversight body, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
The prosecutor said the children were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the family member notified the police again.
She explained Ruben then played the "candy game" in a space of five youngsters.
