A person who spiked treats with sedative and provided them to children at a youth camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two young males both nine and 10.
The accused was taken into custody after eight children and a grown-up became sick at the facility 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 Friday.
Yet, he disputed one particular crime he was charged with, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was held in detention prior to a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, detailed the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She explained his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a youth camp which he ran.
The defendant conducted a "treat game" with the minors, the legal counsel stated, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She told the court the defendant had conducted this practice with the boys "repeatedly", and children had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She said the man had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had suspicions in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "This year his stepson had concerns about the activities, for good reason.
"They chose" to examine in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel explained items including infant oil, Vaseline and medical needles were located, and his stepchild contacted the police about his concerns.
She stated the man continued to engage in the "sweet game" with six youngsters that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the next day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that point," she added.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, had stated that it was examining the police response of the events.
The prosecutor said the children were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so the family member called the authorities a second time.
She said Ruben then engaged in the "candy game" in a space of five minors.
