A person who spiked treats with sleeping medication and provided them to children at a summer program in the region has confessed to sexual offenses against two young males aged between nine and ten.
The accused was arrested after eight minors and an older person experienced illness at the facility in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
However, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was facing, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was held in detention before a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, handling the case, detailed the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She stated his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a youth camp which he operated.
The man conducted a "candy game" with the minors, the legal counsel stated, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings the man had engaged in this activity with the young males "over an extended period", and children had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She said the man had been able to explain this repeatedly as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had suspicions in summer 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "This year his family member had suspicions about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They decided to have a look in the individual's items."
The legal counsel said objects including infant oil, ointment and injection devices were found, and his stepchild contacted the police about his worries.
She said the man proceeded to conduct the "treat game" with six youngsters that evening - that Saturday - and they were all sick the next day.
"The police had not gone out by that time," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was examining law enforcement's management of the situation.
The legal representative stated the children were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson contacted the law enforcement a second time.
She stated Ruben then engaged in the "candy game" in a space of five children.
