A man who laced candy with tranquilliser and gave them to youngsters at a youth camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two young males both nine and 10.
The defendant was arrested after eight youngsters and one adult became sick at the facility in July.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he stood at the judicial center on Friday.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit one particular crime he was facing, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody before a subsequent court date on late November.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, detailed the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She stated his those affected were under-privileged children who were participating in a summer camp which he managed.
The man played a "candy game" with the children, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had engaged in this activity with the children "repeatedly", and youngsters had previously become sick the next day.
She stated the defendant had been able to explain this for many years as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had concerns in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "In the summer" his stepchild had worries about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They chose" to have a look in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel explained materials including baby oil, ointment and injection devices were discovered, and his stepson notified the authorities about his suspicions.
She said the man continued to play the "sweet game" with six boys that night - July 26th - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that stage," she continued.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, previously told that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the incident.
The prosecutor said the minors were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so the stepson called the police a second time.
She explained Ruben then conducted the "sweet game" in a space of five youngsters.
