An individual who laced candy with sedative and provided them to children at a summer camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two children both nine and ten years old.
The accused was arrested after eight minors and an older person fell ill at Stathern Lodge in July.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was involving a young boy.
Ruben was kept in jail prior to a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, detailed the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She said his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a youth camp which he managed.
The man played a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor said, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She told the court the man had engaged in this activity with the children "for many years", and children had previously become sick the following morning.
She explained Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had concerns in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "In the summer" his family member had suspicions about what was going on, for good reason.
"They resolved" to examine in the individual's items."
The legal counsel stated objects including baby oil, Vaseline and medical needles were found, and his stepson contacted the police about his concerns.
She explained Ruben went on to conduct the "treat game" with six boys that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that time," she added.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was investigating the police response of the incident.
The legal representative stated the minors were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the stepson notified the police again.
She stated the man then played the "treat game" in a area of five children.
