An individual who contaminated treats with sleeping medication and gave them to youngsters at a summer program in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two children aged between nine and ten.
The defendant was detained after eight minors and an older person became sick at the location in July.
The elderly man, from that region, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
However, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was involving a young boy.
The accused was held in detention before a further hearing on November 28th.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, outlined the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She explained his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a youth camp which he operated.
The defendant conducted a "candy game" with the minors, Mrs Prior said, in which he would go into the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and request they to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had played this game with the young males "over an extended period", and minors had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She explained the man had been capable of justifying this for many years as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had suspicions in summer 2025.
The prosecutor added: "This year his stepchild had worries about the activities, justifiably.
"They chose" to examine in the individual's items."
The prosecutor said materials including lubricant, ointment and injection devices were located, and his family member alerted the authorities about his concerns.
She stated Ruben continued to conduct the "candy game" with six youngsters that evening - that Saturday - and they were all sick the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that point," she stated further.
The oversight body, the investigative body, had stated that it was reviewing the police response of the events.
Mrs Prior said the minors were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the family member contacted the police once more.
She stated the man then engaged in the "candy game" in a space of five minors.
