A person who spiked sweets with sleeping medication and gave them to youngsters at a youth camp in the region has confessed to sexual crimes against two boys who were between nine and ten.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight youngsters and one adult experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in July.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
However, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was concerning a young boy.
Ruben was held in detention ahead of a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, described the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She explained his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a summer program which he managed.
The defendant played a "sweet game" with the minors, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and ask them to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had played this game with the boys "repeatedly", and children had previously become sick the next day.
She said Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had worries in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "This year his stepson had worries about the situation, for good reason.
"They resolved" to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor explained objects including infant oil, petroleum jelly and injection devices were found, and his family member contacted the law enforcement about his worries.
She explained the defendant proceeded to play the "treat game" with six children that evening - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that point," she added.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was examining the police response of the situation.
The prosecutor said the minors were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so the stepson called the law enforcement a second time.
She said the defendant then played the "treat game" in a area of five youngsters.
