A person who spiked sweets with sleeping medication and gave them to minors at a youth camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two children both between nine and ten.
The accused was arrested after eight youngsters and one adult fell ill at the location in July.
The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
Yet, he refused to admit one particular crime he was accused of, which was concerning a young boy.
The accused was remanded in custody before a subsequent court date on late November.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, described the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She stated his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a youth camp which he ran.
The defendant conducted a "candy game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor stated, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings the man had conducted this practice with the children "for many years", and minors had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She explained Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had worries in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "Recently" his family member had worries about the activities, with valid cause.
"They decided to examine in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC explained items including baby oil, Vaseline and syringes were found, and his family member alerted the authorities about his suspicions.
She explained the man continued to conduct the "treat game" with six youngsters that evening - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"The police had not gone out by that point," she stated further.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, had stated that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
Mrs Prior stated the children were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so the family member called the police a second time.
She explained the man then conducted the "candy game" in a room of five youngsters.
