A man who laced treats with tranquilliser and distributed them to minors at a youth camp in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual offenses against two boys both nine and 10.
The defendant was arrested after eight youngsters and an older person became sick at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from that region, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Nevertheless, he disputed one particular crime he was charged with, which was against a nine-year-old child.
The accused was kept in jail prior to a further hearing on November 28th.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, described the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She stated his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a summer program which he managed.
The defendant engaged in a "sweet game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and request they to eat sweets "rapidly".
She told the court the defendant had engaged in this activity with the young males "repeatedly", and minors had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She explained the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had suspicions in summer 2025.
The legal representative continued: "This year his family member had concerns about what was going on, justifiably.
"They chose" to examine in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor stated objects including baby oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were found, and his family member notified the police about his worries.
She explained Ruben went on to engage in the "candy game" with six children that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that time," she continued.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was reviewing the police response of the situation.
The prosecutor said the minors were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson contacted the police once more.
She explained the defendant then conducted the "candy game" in a room of five minors.
