An individual who contaminated treats with sleeping medication and provided them to children at a summer program in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offences against two boys aged between nine and ten.
The accused was detained after eight children and an older person fell ill at the location in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he stood at the courthouse on recently.
Nevertheless, he disputed one particular crime he was charged with, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody ahead of a subsequent court date on late November.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, described the defendant's actions to the court.
She stated his victims were under-privileged children who were staying at a youth camp which he managed.
The man conducted a "sweet game" with the minors, the legal counsel explained, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the man had played this game with the children "for many years", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She said the man had been capable of justifying this repeatedly as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had concerns in July 2025.
The prosecutor added: "In the summer" his stepchild had concerns about the activities, justifiably.
"They resolved" to investigate in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC said items including lubricant, ointment and syringes were discovered, and his family member contacted the police about his worries.
She said the man went on to engage in the "treat game" with six youngsters that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that point," she added.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, had stated that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
The legal representative stated the minors were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so the stepson contacted the law enforcement again.
She stated the defendant then engaged in the "sweet game" in a space of five minors.
