A man who laced candy with sleeping medication and distributed them to youngsters at a summer camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two children who were nine and 10.
The accused was arrested after eight minors and an older person experienced illness at the facility in July.
The 76-year-old, from that region, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at the judicial center on the end of the week.
However, he refused to admit one particular crime he was charged with, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was kept in jail before a further hearing on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, described Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She explained his those affected were under-privileged children who were attending a youth camp which he ran.
The man conducted a "treat game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor stated, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had conducted this practice with the young males "repeatedly", and youngsters had previously become sick the next day.
She explained the man had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had concerns in summer 2025.
The legal representative continued: "Recently" his stepson had worries about the situation, for good reason.
"They decided to investigate in the individual's items."
The legal counsel explained objects including lubricant, Vaseline and medical needles were found, and his family member notified the authorities about his worries.
She explained Ruben proceeded to play the "candy game" with six boys that time - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that stage," she added.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
Mrs Prior stated the minors were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the stepson contacted the police once more.
She said the man then conducted the "sweet game" in a room of five youngsters.
