A person who laced sweets with sleeping medication and provided them to children at a youth camp in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offenses against two boys aged nine and 10.
The defendant was arrested after eight children and one adult became sick at the facility in July.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Yet, he denied a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was against a young boy.
The accused was held in detention ahead of a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, described the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She stated his targets were under-privileged children who were participating in a summer camp which he operated.
The man conducted a "treat game" with the minors, the prosecutor explained, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to consume candy "rapidly".
She stated to the judge the man had played this game with the boys "repeatedly", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She said the man had been able to explain this repeatedly as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had suspicions in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "In the summer" his family member had concerns about what was going on, for good reason.
"They decided to examine in the individual's items."
The legal counsel stated materials including baby oil, petroleum jelly and syringes were located, and his stepchild contacted the law enforcement about his worries.
She said Ruben proceeded to play the "treat game" with six boys that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the next day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that point," she continued.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, previously told that it was investigating the police response of the incident.
Mrs Prior stated the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson contacted the authorities once more.
She said the man then played the "sweet game" in a room of five minors.
