A man who contaminated sweets with sedative and gave them to youngsters at a summer camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two boys aged between nine and ten.
The defendant was detained after eight youngsters and a grown-up fell ill at the facility in mid-summer.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at the judicial center on Friday.
However, he denied a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was against a young boy.
The accused was remanded in custody ahead of a additional proceeding on late November.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, detailed the criminal behavior to the court.
She explained his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer program which he ran.
The defendant conducted a "treat game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor explained, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to ingest treats "rapidly".
She told the court the man had played this game with the boys "for many years", and children had previously fallen ill the next day.
She said the man had been able to explain this over a long period as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had worries in summer 2025.
The prosecutor added: "This year his family member had concerns about what was going on, justifiably.
"They chose" to investigate in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor said items including baby oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were found, and his stepson alerted the police about his concerns.
She explained the defendant went on to engage in the "candy game" with six boys that time - that Saturday - and they were all sick the following morning.
"The police had not responded by that time," she stated further.
The oversight body, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the situation.
The prosecutor said the minors were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson called the police once more.
She said Ruben then conducted the "treat game" in a room of five minors.
