An individual who spiked treats with sedative and provided them to youngsters at a summer camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two boys aged nine and 10.
The accused was arrested after eight minors and one adult fell ill at Stathern Lodge in July.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he was present at the courthouse on the end of the week.
However, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was concerning a young boy.
The accused was remanded in custody before a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, handling the case, detailed the defendant's actions to the court.
She explained his those affected were under-privileged children who were attending a summer program which he managed.
The defendant engaged in a "candy game" with the children, the prosecutor explained, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and ask them to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She told the court the defendant had played this game with the boys "over an extended period", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She stated the man had been able to explain this for many years as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had worries in July 2025.
The prosecutor added: "Recently" his stepchild had worries about what was going on, for good reason.
"They chose" to examine in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor explained items including infant oil, Vaseline and injection devices were discovered, and his stepchild alerted the authorities about his worries.
She said the defendant went on to conduct the "candy game" with six boys that night - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that point," she stated further.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
The legal representative stated the youngsters were struggling to walk due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson notified the law enforcement a second time.
She stated Ruben then engaged in the "candy game" in a room of five youngsters.
