A man who spiked treats with sleeping medication and gave them to youngsters at a youth camp in the area has admitted sexual offenses against two young males who were nine and ten years old.
The accused was detained after eight minors and an older person fell ill at Stathern Lodge in July.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit one particular crime he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
The accused was held in detention ahead of a additional proceeding on late November.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, outlined Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She stated his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a youth camp which he operated.
The defendant conducted a "candy game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor explained, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and tell them to ingest treats "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had played this game with the children "repeatedly", and children had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She said the defendant had been able to explain this repeatedly as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had concerns in July 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "In the summer" his stepchild had concerns about the activities, for good reason.
"They resolved" to have a look in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC stated items including lubricant, ointment and medical needles were found, and his stepchild notified the law enforcement about his concerns.
She explained Ruben proceeded to engage in the "treat game" with six boys that time - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that stage," she stated further.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
The legal representative explained the children were struggling to walk due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson called the police once more.
She explained the defendant then engaged in the "sweet game" in a room of five minors.
