An individual who contaminated sweets with tranquilliser and distributed them to youngsters at a summer camp in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual offences against two boys aged nine and ten years old.
The accused was arrested after eight children and an older person became sick at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
Yet, he disputed a single sexual charge he was facing, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was held in detention before a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, described Ruben's offending to the court.
She said his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a summer camp which he managed.
The defendant engaged in a "candy game" with the minors, the legal counsel said, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings the man had conducted this practice with the children "repeatedly", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She explained the defendant had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had worries in summer 2025.
The prosecutor added: "This year his stepson had concerns about the situation, justifiably.
"They chose" to investigate in the individual's items."
The legal counsel stated materials including baby oil, petroleum jelly and syringes were discovered, and his family member contacted the police about his worries.
She stated Ruben proceeded to play the "treat game" with six boys that night - that Saturday - and they were all ill the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that stage," she stated further.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, previously told that it was reviewing the police response of the situation.
The legal representative explained the children were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the stepson notified the police a second time.
She said the defendant then engaged in the "treat game" in a space of five minors.
