A person who spiked treats with tranquilliser and distributed them to minors at a youth camp in the area has admitted sexual offenses against two young males both nine and ten years old.
The defendant was arrested after eight children and one adult experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Yet, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was involving a young boy.
Ruben was kept in jail before a further hearing on late November.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, outlined the defendant's actions to the court.
She said his those affected were under-privileged children who were attending a summer camp which he managed.
Ruben engaged in a "candy game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor explained, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She told the court Ruben had engaged in this activity with the boys "over an extended period", and children had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She explained the defendant had been able to explain this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had worries in July 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "Recently" his family member had worries about the situation, for good reason.
"They chose" to examine in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC explained items including infant oil, ointment and medical needles were found, and his family member notified the authorities about his worries.
She explained the man went on to engage in the "treat game" with six children that time - that Saturday - and they were all sick the following morning.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that point," she added.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, had stated that it was investigating the police response of the situation.
The prosecutor explained the children were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson called the authorities again.
She stated the defendant then engaged in the "sweet game" in a area of five children.
