An individual who contaminated treats with sleeping medication and provided them to minors at a summer camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two boys both nine and 10.
The accused was detained after eight minors and an older person experienced illness at the location in July.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
However, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
The accused was remanded in custody prior to a further hearing on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, outlined Ruben's offending to the court.
She said his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a summer program which he operated.
The man conducted a "sweet game" with the minors, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would go into the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She told the court Ruben had conducted this practice with the boys "repeatedly", and children had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She explained Ruben had been capable of justifying this for many years as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had concerns in July 2025.
The legal representative added: "This year his family member had worries about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to investigate in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC stated materials including baby oil, ointment and medical needles were discovered, and his family member contacted the police about his concerns.
She stated the man went on to play the "candy game" with six children that evening - that Saturday - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that point," she continued.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, previously told that it was reviewing the police response of the incident.
Mrs Prior explained the minors were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson notified the law enforcement again.
She explained the man then engaged in the "candy game" in a area of five children.
