A man who spiked treats with tranquilliser and distributed them to children at a summer program in the area has confessed to sexual offenses against two boys aged nine and 10.
The accused was detained after eight youngsters and one adult became sick at Stathern Lodge in July.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
However, he disputed a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was against a young boy.
The accused was kept in jail before a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, outlined Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She explained his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer camp which he ran.
The defendant conducted a "sweet game" with the minors, the prosecutor said, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge Ruben had conducted this practice with the young males "for many years", and minors had previously fallen ill the next day.
She stated Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had concerns in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "In the summer" his family member had worries about the situation, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to have a look in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor explained items including infant oil, ointment and injection devices were discovered, and his stepson alerted the authorities about his suspicions.
She explained Ruben proceeded to engage in the "treat game" with six children that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"The police had not gone out by that stage," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was examining the police response of the events.
The prosecutor said the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the family member called the law enforcement a second time.
She said the man then conducted the "candy game" in a room of five children.
