A person who spiked treats with sedative and distributed them to youngsters at a summer camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two young males aged nine and 10.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight youngsters and an older person fell ill at the location in July.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at the courthouse on recently.
Yet, he disputed one particular crime he was facing, which was concerning a young boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody before a additional proceeding on late November.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, detailed the defendant's actions to the court.
She stated his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer camp which he operated.
The man engaged in a "treat game" with the children, the legal counsel explained, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and request they to eat sweets "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had played this game with the boys "for many years", and minors had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She stated the man had been able to explain this over a long period as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had concerns in July 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "Recently" his stepchild had suspicions about the activities, for good reason.
"They chose" to investigate in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel explained items including baby oil, ointment and syringes were discovered, and his stepson notified the authorities about his suspicions.
She stated the defendant continued to conduct the "candy game" with six children that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that time," she added.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, previously told that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
The legal representative said the minors were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the family member contacted the authorities a second time.
She stated Ruben then conducted the "treat game" in a space of five minors.
