A person who spiked sweets with tranquilliser and provided them to youngsters at a summer camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two children both between nine and ten.
The accused was detained after eight children and an older person became sick at the facility in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at the courthouse on Friday.
Yet, he denied a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was involving a young boy.
Ruben was held in detention prior to a further hearing on November 28th.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, described the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She explained his targets were under-privileged children who were staying at a youth camp which he ran.
The defendant engaged in a "candy game" with the children, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would enter 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 man had played this game with the children "for many years", and minors had previously become sick the following morning.
She stated the defendant had been capable of justifying this for many years as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had concerns in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "In the summer" his stepchild had concerns about the activities, with valid cause.
"They decided to examine in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor stated objects including lubricant, Vaseline and syringes were located, and his stepson alerted the law enforcement about his concerns.
She explained the man went on to engage in the "treat game" with six boys that time - July 26th - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that time," she added.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the situation.
The prosecutor said the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so the stepson called the police again.
She stated Ruben then played the "treat game" in a space of five children.
