A man who laced sweets with sleeping medication and gave them to minors at a summer camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two boys both nine and ten years old.
The accused was arrested after eight minors and a grown-up became sick at Stathern Lodge in July.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit one particular crime he was accused of, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
The accused was held in detention ahead of a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, handling the case, outlined the criminal behavior to the court.
She said his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer program which he ran.
The defendant engaged in a "treat game" with the minors, the prosecutor explained, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were settling down and tell them to eat sweets "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings the man had conducted this practice with the children "over an extended period", and minors had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She stated the defendant had been capable of justifying this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had worries in July 2025.
The legal representative added: "This year his family member had worries about the activities, with valid cause.
"They decided to investigate in the individual's items."
The prosecutor explained items including infant oil, ointment and syringes were found, and his stepson alerted the authorities about his concerns.
She said the defendant continued to play the "candy game" with six youngsters that time - that Saturday - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"The police had not arrived by that time," she added.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, previously told that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
The prosecutor said the children were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so the stepson called the law enforcement a second time.
She explained Ruben then conducted the "candy game" in a space of five youngsters.
