A person who contaminated treats with sedative and gave them to children at a summer program in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two children aged between nine and ten.
The defendant was detained after eight youngsters and one adult experienced illness at the location in July.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty 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 accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was kept in jail prior to a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, detailed the defendant's actions to the court.
She stated his victims were under-privileged children who were staying at a summer camp which he ran.
The man engaged in a "candy game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior said, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to ingest treats "rapidly".
She told the court the defendant had played this game with the boys "over an extended period", and children had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She explained the man had been able to explain this for many years as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had concerns in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "Recently" his stepson had concerns about the situation, justifiably.
"They resolved" to investigate in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel explained materials including lubricant, ointment and syringes were located, and his stepson contacted the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She explained Ruben proceeded to conduct the "treat game" with six children that evening - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that stage," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, previously told that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the incident.
Mrs Prior said the children were struggling to walk due to being ill, so the family member called the authorities once more.
She explained the defendant then engaged in the "candy game" in a space of five minors.
