A person who laced treats with sedative and distributed them to minors at a summer program in the region has admitted sexual offences against two children who were nine and 10.
The accused was taken into custody after eight children and an older person became sick at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he stood at the judicial center on the end of the week.
However, he disputed a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was held in detention ahead of a additional proceeding on late November.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, handling the case, detailed the defendant's actions to the court.
She stated his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a youth camp which he managed.
The defendant conducted a "candy game" with the minors, Mrs Prior said, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and request they to consume candy "rapidly".
She told the court the man had conducted this practice with the young males "over an extended period", and youngsters had previously become sick the following morning.
She said the defendant had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had worries in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "This year his stepson had concerns about what was going on, for good reason.
"They resolved" to examine in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel stated items including lubricant, ointment and medical needles were located, and his stepson contacted the authorities about his suspicions.
She said Ruben went on to play the "treat game" with six youngsters that time - July 26th - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that stage," she added.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
The legal representative stated the youngsters were struggling to walk due to being ill, so the stepson contacted the law enforcement a second time.
She explained the man then conducted the "treat game" in a area of five minors.
