A man who laced treats with sleeping medication and gave them to minors at a youth camp in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offences against two boys both nine and 10.
The defendant was arrested after eight minors and an older person became sick at the location in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he was present at the courthouse on Friday.
Yet, he disputed one particular crime he was facing, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was kept in jail ahead of a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, detailed the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She stated his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer camp which he ran.
The man played a "candy game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel explained, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had conducted this practice with the children "repeatedly", and minors had previously become sick the next day.
She explained the man had been capable of justifying this for many years as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had concerns in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "Recently" his family member had concerns about the situation, for good reason.
"They chose" to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC stated objects including infant oil, Vaseline and medical needles were located, and his family member contacted the authorities about his suspicions.
She explained the defendant went on to conduct the "treat game" with six youngsters that night - that Saturday - and they were all ill the next day.
"The police had not responded by that point," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, previously told that it was examining law enforcement's management of the situation.
The legal representative stated the minors were struggling to walk due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson notified the police a second time.
She stated the defendant then engaged in the "treat game" in a area of five youngsters.
