A person who spiked sweets with sleeping medication and distributed them to minors at a summer camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two young males who were nine and 10.
The accused was detained after eight youngsters and one adult became sick at the facility in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was involving a young boy.
The defendant was held in detention before a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, handling the case, detailed the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She stated his targets were under-privileged children who were participating in a summer camp which he operated.
The defendant engaged in a "sweet game" with the minors, the legal counsel explained, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and request they to ingest treats "rapidly".
She stated to the judge the man had conducted this practice with the children "over an extended period", and youngsters had previously become sick the next day.
She stated the man had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had concerns in July 2025.
The prosecutor added: "This year his family member had suspicions about the situation, with valid cause.
"They decided to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel explained materials including infant oil, Vaseline and injection devices were discovered, and his stepchild contacted the police about his concerns.
She stated Ruben proceeded to conduct the "candy game" with six youngsters that night - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"The police had not responded by that time," she continued.
The oversight body, the investigative body, had stated that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
The prosecutor said the minors were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so the family member called the law enforcement a second time.
She stated the man then played the "sweet game" in a room of five minors.
