A person who laced candy with tranquilliser and gave them to children at a youth camp in the region has admitted sexual offenses against two children who were between nine and ten.
The defendant was detained after eight minors and a grown-up became sick at the location in July.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at the judicial center on Friday.
However, he refused to admit one particular crime he was charged with, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was held in detention before a subsequent court date on late November.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, outlined Ruben's offending to the court.
She stated his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a youth camp which he ran.
The defendant conducted a "sweet game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings the man had engaged in this activity with the young males "repeatedly", and minors had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She stated the defendant had been able to explain this for many years as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had concerns in July 2025.
The prosecutor stated further: "In the summer" his family member had concerns about what was going on, for good reason.
"They decided to examine in the individual's items."
The prosecutor said materials including lubricant, petroleum jelly and syringes were discovered, and his stepson notified the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She explained the man proceeded to play the "sweet game" with six children that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that stage," she stated further.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
The legal representative explained the minors were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so the stepson called the law enforcement again.
She said the defendant then played the "treat game" in a room of five youngsters.
