A person who laced candy with sleeping medication and provided them to children at a youth camp in the region has confessed to sexual offenses against two boys both nine and 10.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight youngsters and one adult experienced illness at the location in July.
The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
Yet, he disputed one particular crime he was facing, which was against a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was held in detention prior to a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, handling the case, outlined the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She explained his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a summer program which he ran.
The defendant conducted a "treat game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior said, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to eat sweets "rapidly".
She stated to the judge Ruben had conducted this practice with the children "repeatedly", and minors had previously become sick the next day.
She said the defendant had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had concerns in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "This year his stepson had worries about the situation, with valid cause.
"They chose" to examine in the individual's items."
The prosecutor explained items including lubricant, petroleum jelly and medical needles were found, and his stepchild alerted the law enforcement about his concerns.
She stated the defendant went on to conduct the "sweet game" with six children that time - July 26th - and they were all sick the next day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that stage," she added.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
The prosecutor stated the minors were struggling to walk due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson notified the police a second time.
She said the defendant then conducted the "treat game" in a room of five minors.
