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A person who contaminated treats with sedative and provided them to children at a youth camp in the region has admitted sexual crimes against two children both nine and ten years old.

The defendant was detained after eight youngsters and a grown-up experienced illness at the facility in the summer month.

The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at the courthouse on recently.

However, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was against a young boy.

The accused was kept in jail prior to a further hearing on 28 November.

'Sweet game'

The prosecutor, handling the case, outlined the defendant's actions to the court.

She explained his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a summer camp which he managed.

The defendant conducted a "candy game" with the children, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to ingest treats "rapidly".

She stated to the judge Ruben had played this game with the boys "over an extended period", 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 family member had concerns in summer 2025.

The legal representative continued: "This year his stepson had worries about the situation, justifiably.

"They resolved" to examine in the man's possessions."

Mrs Prior KC said items including baby oil, ointment and syringes were found, and his family member notified the law enforcement about his worries.

She said Ruben proceeded to conduct the "candy game" with six children that time - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.

"Law enforcement" had not responded by that stage," she added.

The regulatory agency, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.

The prosecutor stated the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson contacted the authorities a second time.

She said Ruben then played the "candy game" in a area of five youngsters.