An individual who spiked candy with sedative and gave them to youngsters at a youth camp in Leicestershire has admitted sexual crimes against two children who were nine and 10.
The accused was detained after eight minors and an older person experienced illness at the location in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
Yet, he denied a single sexual charge he was facing, which was against a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was remanded in custody before a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, described the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She stated his targets were under-privileged children who were participating in a summer program which he managed.
Ruben conducted a "treat game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor explained, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge the man had conducted this practice with the boys "for many years", and youngsters had previously become sick the following morning.
She said the defendant had been able to explain this repeatedly as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had concerns in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "This year his family member had suspicions about the situation, for good reason.
"They decided to investigate in the individual's items."
The legal counsel explained objects including lubricant, petroleum jelly and medical needles were located, and his stepchild contacted the authorities about his worries.
She stated the man proceeded to conduct the "candy game" with six boys that night - that Saturday - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that time," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, previously told that it was investigating the police response of the incident.
Mrs Prior said the minors were struggling to walk due to being ill, so the family member called the authorities again.
She said Ruben then engaged in the "candy game" in a area of five children.
