A person who spiked sweets with tranquilliser and gave them to youngsters at a summer program in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two young males who were nine and 10.
The accused was detained after eight minors and a grown-up experienced illness at the facility in mid-summer.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
However, he refused to admit one particular crime he was facing, which was involving a young boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody ahead of a further hearing on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, outlined Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She said his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a youth camp which he managed.
The man engaged in a "sweet game" with the minors, the prosecutor stated, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She told the court Ruben had played this game with the young males "repeatedly", and children had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She stated the defendant had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had concerns in summer 2025.
The prosecutor added: "Recently" his stepson had worries about the activities, for good reason.
"They decided to have a look in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC said materials including infant oil, Vaseline and medical needles were discovered, and his stepson alerted the authorities about his concerns.
She said the man went on to conduct the "sweet game" with six boys that evening - July 26th - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that time," she continued.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, previously told that it was examining law enforcement's management of the incident.
The prosecutor said the minors were struggling to walk due to being ill, so the stepson notified the police once more.
She said the man then played the "candy game" in a space of five children.
