A man who contaminated treats with sleeping medication and distributed them to youngsters at a youth camp in the area has confessed to sexual crimes against two children both between nine and ten.
The accused was arrested after eight youngsters and a grown-up experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in July.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at the judicial center on recently.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was against a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was remanded in custody prior to a additional proceeding on late November.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, outlined Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She explained his targets were under-privileged children who were staying at a youth camp which he operated.
The defendant conducted a "candy game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel said, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and request they to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge Ruben had engaged in this activity with the children "repeatedly", and minors had previously become sick the following morning.
She said Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had worries in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "This year his stepchild had concerns about the activities, with valid cause.
"They decided to examine in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel explained materials including infant oil, Vaseline and medical needles were discovered, and his stepchild notified the law enforcement about his concerns.
She stated the defendant went on to play the "sweet game" with six boys that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that point," she added.
The oversight body, the investigative body, previously told that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
The prosecutor said the children were struggling to walk due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson notified the police a second time.
She stated the defendant then conducted the "candy game" in a room of five minors.
