An individual who contaminated sweets with sleeping medication and provided them to children at a summer camp in the region has confessed to sexual crimes against two young males both nine and 10.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight youngsters and an older person became sick at the location in the summer month.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was involving a young boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody prior to a additional proceeding on late November.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, described the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She explained his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a summer program which he ran.
The man played a "sweet game" with the minors, the legal counsel stated, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to ingest treats "rapidly".
She stated to the judge the defendant had engaged in this activity with the children "for many years", and minors had previously become sick the next day.
She stated the defendant had been able to explain this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had worries in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "Recently" his stepchild had concerns about the situation, with valid cause.
"They chose" to have a look in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC explained items including infant oil, Vaseline and syringes were found, and his family member alerted the law enforcement about his worries.
She stated Ruben went on to play the "treat game" with six boys that night - that Saturday - and they were all sick the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that time," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was investigating the police response of the situation.
The prosecutor explained the minors were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so the family member contacted the law enforcement again.
She explained the man then played the "candy game" in a space of five youngsters.
