An individual who contaminated candy with tranquilliser and provided them to youngsters at a youth camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two boys aged nine and 10.
The defendant was arrested after eight youngsters and one adult became sick at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at the courthouse on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he denied one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was remanded in custody prior to a additional proceeding on late November.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, described the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She stated his victims were under-privileged children who were attending a youth camp which he operated.
The man conducted a "sweet game" with the children, Mrs Prior said, in which he would go into the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and request they to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the defendant had engaged in this activity with the boys "repeatedly", and youngsters had previously become sick the next day.
She explained the defendant had been able to explain this repeatedly as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had concerns in July 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "Recently" his stepchild had concerns about what was going on, justifiably.
"They resolved" to investigate in the individual's items."
The legal counsel stated items including baby oil, petroleum jelly and injection devices were found, and his stepchild alerted the police about his concerns.
She explained Ruben went on to engage in the "candy game" with six boys that night - that Saturday - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"The police had not arrived by that stage," she stated further.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, had stated that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the events.
The prosecutor explained the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the stepson notified the authorities again.
She explained Ruben then played the "sweet game" in a area of five minors.
