An individual who spiked candy with tranquilliser and gave them to minors at a youth camp in the area has confessed to sexual offences against two children who were nine and 10.
The defendant was detained after eight minors and one adult became sick at the location in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
However, he denied one particular crime he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
The accused was remanded in custody prior to a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, outlined the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She said his targets were under-privileged children who were attending a summer camp which he managed.
The man played a "candy game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and request they to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings the man had conducted this practice with the children "for many years", and youngsters had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She stated Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had concerns in summer 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "Recently" his stepson had suspicions about the situation, for good reason.
"They chose" to investigate in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC said items including infant oil, ointment and medical needles were discovered, and his stepson alerted the authorities about his concerns.
She stated the man went on to play the "treat game" with six boys that time - July 26th - and they were all ill the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that point," she stated further.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the events.
Mrs Prior explained the minors were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson notified the police once more.
She stated the man then played the "treat game" in a area of five minors.
