An individual who contaminated candy with tranquilliser and gave them to youngsters at a summer program in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offenses against two young males who were nine and ten years old.
The defendant was arrested after eight youngsters and an older person experienced illness at the facility in July.
The elderly man, from that region, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he stood at the judicial center on Friday.
However, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was involving a young boy.
Ruben was held in detention prior to a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, detailed the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She explained his those affected were under-privileged children who were attending a summer camp which he ran.
The defendant engaged in a "candy game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She told the court the man had engaged in this activity with the children "repeatedly", and children had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She said the man had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had concerns in summer 2025.
The prosecutor added: "This year his stepchild had concerns about the activities, for good reason.
"They decided to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC said items including infant oil, petroleum jelly and injection devices were located, and his family member contacted the law enforcement about his concerns.
She explained the defendant continued to play the "treat game" with six children that evening - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"The police had not arrived by that stage," she added.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, had stated that it was examining the police response of the events.
The prosecutor said the minors were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the family member notified the law enforcement again.
She explained the defendant then engaged in the "sweet game" in a space of five children.
