A person who laced candy with tranquilliser and distributed them to minors at a summer camp in the region has admitted sexual offenses against two young males both nine and ten years old.
The accused was arrested after eight children and one adult became sick at Stathern Lodge in July.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at the courthouse on the end of the week.
However, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was against a nine-year-old child.
The accused was held in detention before a additional proceeding on late November.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, outlined the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She stated his those affected were under-privileged children who were participating in a youth camp which he operated.
The defendant played a "treat game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel said, in which he would go into the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and request they to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge the defendant had played this game with the boys "over an extended period", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She said the man had been capable of justifying this repeatedly as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had concerns in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "In the summer" his family member had concerns about the activities, for good reason.
"They resolved" to examine in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC said items including lubricant, ointment and syringes were discovered, and his family member alerted the law enforcement about his concerns.
She said Ruben went on to play the "treat game" with six children that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that time," she stated further.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
The legal representative said the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson contacted the authorities once more.
She said Ruben then conducted the "treat game" in a space of five minors.
