A man who laced candy with sedative and provided them to youngsters at a summer program in the area has admitted sexual crimes against two young males both nine and 10.
The defendant was detained after eight youngsters and one adult experienced illness at the facility in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
Yet, he disputed a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was concerning a young boy.
The accused was remanded in custody ahead of a additional proceeding on late November.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, outlined the defendant's actions to the court.
She stated his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a youth camp which he ran.
The man engaged in a "treat game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and request they to eat sweets "rapidly".
She stated to the judge the defendant had conducted this practice with the boys "repeatedly", and minors had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She stated the man had been capable of justifying this for many years as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had worries in July 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "Recently" his family member had suspicions about the situation, with valid cause.
"They decided to examine in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC explained objects including infant oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were located, and his stepchild notified the authorities about his suspicions.
She explained the man proceeded to conduct the "treat game" with six children that night - that Saturday - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that stage," she stated further.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
Mrs Prior said the minors were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so the family member called the police a second time.
She said Ruben then engaged in the "sweet game" in a area of five children.
