A person who spiked candy with sedative and gave them to youngsters at a youth camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two children who were nine and 10.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight youngsters and one adult experienced illness at the location in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
Yet, he denied one particular crime he was facing, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
The accused was held in detention ahead of a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, detailed Ruben's offending to the court.
She said his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a summer program which he ran.
The man engaged in a "candy game" with the children, the prosecutor stated, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and tell them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had played this game with the children "for many years", and children had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She stated the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had worries in July 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "Recently" his stepson had worries about the situation, justifiably.
"They resolved" to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel said objects including infant oil, petroleum jelly and injection devices were discovered, and his family member notified the authorities about his worries.
She said the defendant proceeded to play the "treat game" with six children that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that time," she added.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
The legal representative stated the children were struggling to walk due to being ill, so the stepson contacted the police once more.
She stated the defendant then played the "treat game" in a area of five youngsters.
