A person who contaminated candy with tranquilliser and gave them to youngsters at a summer program in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offenses against two boys who were nine and ten years old.
The accused was arrested after eight children and an older person fell ill at the location in mid-summer.
The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
However, he disputed a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was involving a young boy.
Ruben was kept in jail prior to a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, detailed the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She said his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a summer camp which he ran.
The man played a "treat game" with the minors, the legal counsel stated, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and request they to eat sweets "rapidly".
She told the court the man had conducted this practice with the young males "over an extended period", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She stated Ruben had been able to explain this repeatedly as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had worries in summer 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "In the summer" his stepson had concerns about the activities, with valid cause.
"They decided to examine in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC stated objects including lubricant, ointment and syringes were discovered, and his family member alerted the police about his concerns.
She said the man went on to conduct the "candy game" with six youngsters that night - that Saturday - and they were all ill the following morning.
"The police had not arrived by that stage," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, had stated that it was reviewing the police response of the incident.
The prosecutor said the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson called the police a second time.
She stated the defendant then engaged in the "sweet game" in a space of five children.
