A person who contaminated candy with tranquilliser and distributed them to children at a youth camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two young males aged between nine and ten.
The defendant was arrested after eight youngsters and an older person fell ill at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at the judicial center on the end of the week.
However, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was kept in jail prior to a further hearing on 28 November.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, outlined the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She said his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer camp which he ran.
Ruben conducted a "treat game" with the minors, the prosecutor explained, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and request they to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge the defendant had conducted this practice with the children "repeatedly", and minors had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She said the defendant had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had suspicions in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "In the summer" his stepson had concerns about the situation, justifiably.
"They chose" to investigate in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor said objects including baby oil, Vaseline and syringes were found, and his stepchild notified the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She said the man went on to engage in the "candy game" with six children that night - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that time," she added.
The oversight body, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
Mrs Prior explained the minors were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the family member notified the authorities once more.
She stated the man then played the "sweet game" in a area of five youngsters.
