A person who spiked treats with sedative and provided them to youngsters at a youth camp in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual offences against two children both between nine and ten.
The defendant was detained after eight minors and a grown-up became sick at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he stood at the judicial center on the end of the week.
However, he denied one particular crime he was facing, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was held in detention before a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, outlined Ruben's offending to the court.
She stated his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer program which he managed.
The man conducted a "candy game" with the minors, the prosecutor stated, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the defendant had engaged in this activity with the young males "over an extended period", and youngsters had previously become sick the following morning.
She stated Ruben had been capable of justifying this repeatedly as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had concerns in summer 2025.
The legal representative added: "In the summer" his stepchild had suspicions about the activities, with valid cause.
"They decided to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC explained items including lubricant, Vaseline and syringes were found, and his family member notified the authorities about his worries.
She stated the man proceeded to engage in the "treat game" with six boys that time - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that stage," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
The prosecutor stated the children were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so the stepson called the police again.
She stated the man then conducted the "candy game" in a space of five youngsters.
