A man who spiked candy with tranquilliser and distributed them to minors at a summer program in the region has admitted sexual offences against two children both nine and 10.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight youngsters and a grown-up fell ill at Stathern Lodge in July.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
However, he refused to admit one particular crime he was accused of, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody before a additional proceeding on late November.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, detailed the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She explained his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a summer camp which he operated.
The defendant engaged in a "candy game" with the children, the prosecutor explained, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and request they to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings the man had engaged in this activity with the young males "over an extended period", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the next day.
She explained the defendant had been able to explain this for many years as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had concerns in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "In the summer" his family member had suspicions about the situation, with valid cause.
"They decided to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC said materials including infant oil, Vaseline and syringes were located, and his stepchild contacted the authorities about his worries.
She stated the man proceeded to play the "candy game" with six boys that evening - July 26th - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"The police had not responded by that time," she stated further.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the incident.
Mrs Prior stated the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson called the authorities once more.
She explained Ruben then played the "sweet game" in a room of five youngsters.
