An individual who spiked sweets with tranquilliser and provided them to children at a youth camp in the region has confessed to sexual offences against two boys who were nine and ten years old.
The accused was taken into custody after eight youngsters and an older person became sick at the location in July.
The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
Yet, he denied a single sexual charge he was facing, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody ahead of a additional proceeding on late November.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, outlined the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She said his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a summer camp which he operated.
The man conducted a "treat game" with the minors, the legal counsel explained, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She told the court the defendant had engaged in this activity with the young males "for many years", and minors had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She said the defendant had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had concerns in summer 2025.
The prosecutor stated further: "Recently" his family member had suspicions about the activities, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor explained items including lubricant, ointment and syringes were located, and his stepson notified the authorities about his worries.
She stated the defendant went on to engage in the "treat game" with six youngsters that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that time," she added.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was reviewing the police response of the incident.
The legal representative explained the youngsters were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so the stepson called the authorities again.
She stated the defendant then played the "sweet game" in a area of five minors.
