An individual who spiked sweets with tranquilliser and distributed them to minors at a youth camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two boys both nine and 10.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight youngsters and an older person fell ill at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
However, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was concerning a young boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody before a further hearing on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, detailed Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She explained his those affected were under-privileged children who were participating in a summer program which he ran.
The defendant conducted a "treat game" with the minors, the prosecutor said, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and request they to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings the man had conducted this practice with the young males "for many years", and minors had previously become sick the next day.
She stated Ruben had been able to explain this for many years as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had worries in summer 2025.
The prosecutor stated further: "In the summer" his stepchild had worries about the activities, justifiably.
"They resolved" to have a look in the individual's items."
The prosecutor explained items including infant oil, Vaseline and medical needles were discovered, and his stepchild contacted the police about his worries.
She stated the defendant went on to engage in the "treat game" with six children that evening - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that stage," she added.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
Mrs Prior stated the minors were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson called the law enforcement again.
She explained the defendant then played the "candy game" in a room of five minors.
