An individual who contaminated candy with tranquilliser and provided them to children at a youth camp in the region has admitted sexual offences against two children who were between nine and ten.
The accused was arrested after eight youngsters and a grown-up fell ill at Stathern Lodge in July.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he was present at the courthouse on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he denied one particular crime he was facing, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
The accused was kept in jail ahead of a further hearing on late November.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, described Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She stated his those affected were under-privileged children who were staying at a youth camp which he operated.
Ruben played a "sweet game" with the minors, the prosecutor said, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge the man had played this game with the young males "over an extended period", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She said Ruben had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had concerns in summer 2025.
The legal representative added: "This year his family member had suspicions about the activities, with valid cause.
"They decided to investigate in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC explained items including infant oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were discovered, and his family member alerted the police about his worries.
She said the man continued to conduct the "candy game" with six boys that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that stage," she continued.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
Mrs Prior stated the minors were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson notified the police a second time.
She stated Ruben then engaged in the "treat game" in a space of five minors.
