An individual who spiked sweets with sleeping medication and gave them to youngsters at a summer program in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offences against two boys aged nine and 10.
The accused was arrested after eight youngsters and an older person experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in July.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
However, he denied a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody ahead of a subsequent court date on late November.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, outlined the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She stated his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a youth camp which he managed.
Ruben engaged in a "treat game" with the minors, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and request they to eat sweets "rapidly".
She told the court the man had engaged in this activity with the children "repeatedly", and children had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She stated Ruben had been able to explain this for many years as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had worries in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "This year his family member had concerns about what was going on, justifiably.
"They resolved" to examine in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC explained objects including infant oil, Vaseline and injection devices were located, and his stepchild alerted the authorities about his worries.
She stated the defendant went on to conduct the "candy game" with six boys that time - that Saturday - and they were all ill the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that time," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, previously told that it was investigating the police response of the incident.
The legal representative stated the minors were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so the family member notified the authorities a second time.
She explained Ruben then engaged in the "sweet game" in a area of five youngsters.
