An individual who contaminated treats with sleeping medication and gave them to youngsters at a youth camp in the region has admitted sexual offences against two children both nine and ten years old.
The defendant was detained after eight minors and one adult became sick at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at the judicial center on Friday.
Nevertheless, he denied one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was against a young boy.
The accused was held in detention prior to a subsequent court date on late November.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, described Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She said his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a youth camp which he operated.
The man engaged in a "treat game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to ingest treats "rapidly".
She told the court the man had played this game with the young males "for many years", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She explained the man had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had worries in July 2025.
The legal representative continued: "Recently" his family member had concerns about the activities, with valid cause.
"They chose" to examine in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor explained items including infant oil, petroleum jelly and injection devices were found, and his stepchild contacted the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She stated the defendant continued to engage in the "candy game" with six children that evening - July 26th - and they were all ill the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that time," she added.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
The legal representative explained the youngsters were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so the family member notified the law enforcement a second time.
She explained the defendant then conducted the "sweet game" in a space of five youngsters.
