An individual who contaminated sweets with tranquilliser and distributed them to youngsters at a youth camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two boys aged between nine and ten.
The defendant was detained after eight minors and one adult fell ill at Stathern Lodge in July.
The senior citizen, from that region, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
However, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was remanded in custody ahead of a subsequent court date on late November.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, described Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She said his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a summer program which he managed.
Ruben played a "candy game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel said, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She told the court the man had played this game with the young males "for many years", and minors had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She said Ruben had been able to explain this for many years as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had worries in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "This year his family member had worries about the situation, justifiably.
"They resolved" to examine in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel said materials including infant oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were located, and his stepson contacted the police about his suspicions.
She stated Ruben continued to play the "candy game" with six youngsters that night - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that time," she added.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was reviewing the police response of the incident.
Mrs Prior explained the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the family member contacted the police once more.
She said the man then played the "candy game" in a space of five children.
