A person who spiked candy with tranquilliser and provided them to minors at a summer camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two young males aged between nine and ten.
The defendant was detained after eight youngsters and a grown-up became sick at the location in July.
The elderly man, from that region, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
However, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was kept in jail prior to a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, outlined the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She explained his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a youth camp which he ran.
The defendant conducted a "treat game" with the minors, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and request they to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had played this game with the children "for many years", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She explained the defendant had been able to explain this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had suspicions in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "This year his stepchild had concerns about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They chose" to examine in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor said materials including infant oil, ointment and syringes were found, and his stepchild contacted the police about his suspicions.
She explained the man proceeded to play the "candy game" with six children that time - July 26th - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"The police had not responded by that stage," she added.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was examining law enforcement's management of the incident.
Mrs Prior stated the minors were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson called the police a second time.
She stated the man then conducted the "treat game" in a area of five youngsters.
