A man who contaminated treats with sleeping medication and distributed them to children at a summer camp in the region has admitted sexual offences against two boys both between nine and ten.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight minors and one adult experienced illness at the location in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he was present at the courthouse on Friday.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was held in detention ahead of a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, detailed Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She stated his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a summer camp which he operated.
The man conducted a "candy game" with the children, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were settling down and ask them to ingest treats "rapidly".
She told the court the defendant had played this game with the boys "repeatedly", and minors had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She stated Ruben had been able to explain this for many years as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had worries in July 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "Recently" his stepchild had worries about the situation, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor said items including infant oil, ointment and medical needles were located, and his family member contacted the law enforcement about his concerns.
She explained the man continued to engage in the "treat game" with six children that evening - July 26th - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"The police had not gone out by that point," she added.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
The prosecutor said the youngsters were struggling to walk due to their condition, so the stepson called the police again.
She stated the man then engaged in the "candy game" in a area of five minors.
