An individual who spiked candy with sedative and distributed them to youngsters at a youth camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two boys both nine and 10.
The accused was arrested after eight youngsters and a grown-up experienced illness at the location in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
However, he denied a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was held in detention prior to a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, detailed the criminal behavior to the court.
She said his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a summer camp which he ran.
The defendant engaged in a "candy game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel stated, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and request they to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the defendant had engaged in this activity with the children "repeatedly", and youngsters had previously become sick the following morning.
She said Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had suspicions in July 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "Recently" his family member had concerns about the activities, for good reason.
"They resolved" to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel stated objects including baby oil, Vaseline and injection devices were found, and his stepchild alerted the authorities about his concerns.
She explained the man proceeded to play the "sweet game" with six boys that night - that Saturday - and they were all ill the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that point," she continued.
The oversight body, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was examining law enforcement's management of the events.
The legal representative stated the minors were struggling to walk due to their condition, so the stepson contacted the law enforcement again.
She explained the man then engaged in the "sweet game" in a room of five youngsters.
