A person who spiked treats with tranquilliser and gave them to minors at a summer camp in the region has admitted sexual offenses against two boys aged nine and ten years old.
The accused was arrested after eight minors and a grown-up fell ill at the facility in July.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
Yet, he denied one particular crime he was facing, which was against a young boy.
Ruben was held in detention before a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, outlined the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She said his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer program which he operated.
The defendant engaged in a "candy game" with the minors, Mrs Prior said, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to ingest treats "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had conducted this practice with the children "for many years", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She stated the man had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had concerns in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "This year his stepson had concerns about the activities, for good reason.
"They decided to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor explained objects including infant oil, ointment and syringes were located, and his stepson contacted the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She said the man continued to play the "treat game" with six boys that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that stage," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
Mrs Prior stated the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so the stepson contacted the authorities a second time.
She said the man then engaged in the "treat game" in a space of five children.
