A person who spiked candy with sedative and gave them to minors at a youth camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two children who were nine and 10.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight children and one adult fell ill at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
However, he denied a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was concerning a young boy.
The accused was held in detention before a additional proceeding on late November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, outlined the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She stated his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a summer program which he ran.
The man played a "sweet game" with the children, the prosecutor explained, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to consume candy "rapidly".
She stated to the judge the defendant had engaged in this activity with the young males "for many years", and minors had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She explained the man had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had concerns in summer 2025.
The legal representative continued: "This year his stepchild had suspicions about what was going on, for good reason.
"They resolved" to have a look in the individual's items."
The legal counsel stated objects including baby oil, ointment and medical needles were located, and his stepson contacted the authorities about his worries.
She said the man proceeded to play the "candy game" with six boys that night - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"The police had not gone out by that point," she added.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, previously told that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
The legal representative said the minors were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the family member notified the police again.
She stated Ruben then played the "treat game" in a space of five children.
