A man who laced candy with sedative and gave them to children at a youth camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two young males both between nine and ten.
The defendant was arrested after eight youngsters and an older person fell ill at the facility in July.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Nevertheless, he denied one particular crime he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
The accused was remanded in custody prior to a further hearing on 28 November.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, outlined the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She said his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a summer program which he operated.
The man conducted a "treat game" with the children, the prosecutor said, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were settling down and ask them to eat sweets "rapidly".
She stated to the judge Ruben had played this game with the children "over an extended period", and youngsters had previously become sick the next day.
She stated Ruben had been able to explain this repeatedly as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had worries in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "Recently" his stepchild had suspicions about the activities, for good reason.
"They chose" to examine in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel explained items including infant oil, Vaseline and syringes were found, and his stepchild alerted the law enforcement about his worries.
She explained the defendant went on to engage in the "treat game" with six boys that night - July 26th - and they were all ill the next day.
"The police had not arrived by that point," she stated further.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
The prosecutor explained the minors were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so the family member contacted the police a second time.
She explained the defendant then played the "candy game" in a area of five children.
