A person who contaminated treats with sleeping medication and provided them to youngsters at a summer camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two boys both nine and ten years old.
The accused was taken into custody after eight children and one adult experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in July.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at the courthouse on the end of the week.
Yet, he denied a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody ahead of a additional proceeding on late November.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, outlined the defendant's actions to the court.
She said his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer program which he managed.
Ruben played a "candy game" with the minors, the prosecutor stated, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She told the court the defendant had conducted this practice with the children "repeatedly", and minors had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She explained the man had been capable of justifying this for many years as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had worries in summer 2025.
The legal representative added: "In the summer" his stepchild had concerns about what was going on, for good reason.
"They resolved" to have a look in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC said materials including infant oil, Vaseline and injection devices were discovered, and his stepchild contacted the law enforcement about his concerns.
She stated the defendant continued to conduct the "treat game" with six youngsters that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that stage," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
Mrs Prior explained the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the stepson notified the authorities once more.
She stated the defendant then conducted the "candy game" in a space of five minors.
