A person who contaminated sweets with sedative and gave them to children at a summer camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two boys both nine and ten years old.
The accused was arrested after eight minors and one adult fell ill at the facility in the summer month.
The elderly man, from that region, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
However, he denied one particular crime he was accused of, which was involving a young boy.
The accused was kept in jail ahead of a further hearing on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, detailed the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She said his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a youth camp which he operated.
The defendant engaged in a "treat game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor explained, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were settling down and request they to consume candy "rapidly".
She stated to the judge the defendant had engaged in this activity with the children "for many years", and minors had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She explained the man had been able to explain this for many years as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had concerns in summer 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "Recently" his stepchild had concerns about the activities, with valid cause.
"They decided to have a look in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel explained items including infant oil, ointment and medical needles were found, and his stepchild contacted the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She stated the defendant went on to conduct the "candy game" with six boys that time - that Saturday - and they were all sick the next day.
"The police had not arrived by that point," she added.
The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the events.
The prosecutor said the children were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson notified the law enforcement again.
She stated the defendant then engaged in the "candy game" in a space of five minors.
