A man who spiked candy with sedative and distributed them to children at a summer camp in the region has confessed to sexual crimes against two boys both nine and 10.
The accused was taken into custody after eight children and a grown-up became sick at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
Yet, he disputed one particular crime he was accused of, which was against a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was held in detention prior to a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, described the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She explained his those affected were under-privileged children who were attending a youth camp which he operated.
Ruben played a "candy game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor said, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to eat sweets "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had engaged in this activity with the children "repeatedly", and youngsters had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She explained the defendant had been able to explain this for many years as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had worries in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "In the summer" his family member had worries about the activities, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor said objects including infant oil, petroleum jelly and syringes were discovered, and his stepchild alerted the authorities about his worries.
She explained the man continued to engage in the "candy game" with six boys that night - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"The police had not arrived by that point," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, previously told that it was examining the police response of the incident.
The prosecutor explained the minors were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson called the law enforcement a second time.
She stated the man then played the "treat game" in a room of five youngsters.
