A person who contaminated candy with sedative and gave them to children at a summer camp in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offences against two boys both between nine and ten.
The defendant was arrested after eight minors and one adult experienced illness at the location in July.
The 76-year-old, from that region, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he was present at the courthouse on Friday.
Yet, he denied one particular crime he was charged with, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was kept in jail ahead of a further hearing on late November.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, handling the case, outlined the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She said his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a youth camp which he ran.
The man conducted a "sweet game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and tell them to consume candy "rapidly".
She told the court the defendant had played this game with the children "for many years", and children had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She explained the man had been able to explain this over a long period as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had worries in July 2025.
The prosecutor stated further: "In the summer" his stepchild had suspicions about the activities, for good reason.
"They chose" to have a look in the individual's items."
The legal counsel stated objects including baby oil, Vaseline and medical needles were found, and his family member notified the police about his worries.
She explained Ruben went on to play the "candy game" with six boys that time - that Saturday - and they were all ill the following morning.
"The police had not gone out by that stage," she continued.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the events.
The legal representative explained the children were struggling to walk due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson notified the law enforcement once more.
She stated the defendant then played the "treat game" in a room of five children.
