A man who laced candy with tranquilliser and gave them to children at a youth camp in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual crimes against two boys aged nine and ten years old.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight children and an older person experienced illness at the location in July.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
Yet, he disputed a single sexual charge he was facing, which was against a young boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody before a subsequent court date on late November.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, detailed Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She explained his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a summer camp which he ran.
The man conducted a "treat game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and tell them to consume candy "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings the man had conducted this practice with the boys "for many years", and children had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She stated Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had concerns in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "In the summer" his stepson had concerns about the situation, for good reason.
"They resolved" to examine in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor stated materials including infant oil, ointment and syringes were located, and his stepchild contacted the police about his worries.
She said the man went on to engage in the "sweet game" with six children that time - that Saturday - and they were all ill the following morning.
"The police had not arrived by that stage," she continued.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, previously told that it was reviewing the police response of the events.
The legal representative said the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson contacted the authorities again.
She explained Ruben then engaged in the "candy game" in a area of five youngsters.
