A person who spiked sweets with tranquilliser and distributed them to youngsters at a youth camp in the region has admitted sexual offences against two young males who were nine and ten years old.
The defendant was detained after eight children and an older person experienced illness at the location in mid-summer.
The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
However, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was held in detention ahead of a further hearing on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, detailed the defendant's actions to the court.
She stated his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a summer program which he ran.
The man played a "candy game" with the children, the prosecutor stated, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were settling down and request they to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge Ruben had engaged in this activity with the children "over an extended period", and minors had previously become sick the next day.
She stated the defendant had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had worries in summer 2025.
The prosecutor added: "This year his stepchild had worries about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They decided to investigate in the individual's items."
The prosecutor said objects including infant oil, ointment and syringes were discovered, and his stepson alerted the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She explained the man continued to engage in the "candy game" with six children that time - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"The police had not responded by that time," she stated further.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, previously told that it was reviewing the police response of the events.
The prosecutor stated the youngsters were struggling to walk due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson contacted the police once more.
She said the man then conducted the "treat game" in a space of five children.
