A man who spiked sweets with tranquilliser and distributed them to minors at a youth camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two children aged nine and 10.
The accused was arrested after eight minors and one adult became sick at Stathern Lodge in July.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at the judicial center on Friday.
Nevertheless, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was concerning a young boy.
The defendant was held in detention prior to a subsequent court date on late November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, detailed Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She stated his victims were under-privileged children who were staying at a summer program which he ran.
The defendant conducted a "candy game" with the children, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would go into the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and request they to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the defendant had played this game with the children "for many years", and minors had previously become sick the following morning.
She stated the man had been capable of justifying this for many years as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had concerns in July 2025.
The prosecutor added: "This year his family member had concerns about the situation, justifiably.
"They chose" to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel stated items including lubricant, petroleum jelly and injection devices were located, and his family member notified the police about his suspicions.
She stated the defendant went on to engage in the "treat game" with six youngsters that time - July 26th - and they were all ill the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that time," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
The legal representative said the minors were struggling to walk due to being ill, so the stepson notified the law enforcement a second time.
She explained the defendant then played the "candy game" in a space of five children.
