An individual who laced candy with sleeping medication and provided them to youngsters at a summer camp in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offences against two boys aged between nine and ten.
The accused was taken into custody after eight youngsters and an older person became sick at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit one particular crime he was charged with, which was involving a young boy.
The accused was remanded in custody ahead of a further hearing on late November.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, described the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She stated his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a youth camp which he managed.
The defendant engaged in a "treat game" with the minors, the legal counsel explained, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and request they to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She told the court the man had engaged in this activity with the boys "for many years", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She explained the man had been able to explain this for many years as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had concerns in summer 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "Recently" his family member had suspicions about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel said items including lubricant, Vaseline and injection devices were located, and his stepson alerted the law enforcement about his worries.
She explained Ruben proceeded to conduct the "treat game" with six children that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that point," she added.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, had stated that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the situation.
Mrs Prior explained the children were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so the stepson contacted the authorities once more.
She explained Ruben then engaged in the "sweet game" in a space of five minors.
