A man who laced sweets with sleeping medication and distributed them to minors at a youth camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two boys both nine and 10.
The accused was taken into custody after eight youngsters and one adult became sick at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from that region, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he was present at the judicial center on Friday.
Yet, he disputed one particular crime he was charged with, which was against a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was held in detention prior to a further hearing on November 28th.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, described Ruben's offending to the court.
She explained his targets were under-privileged children who were staying at a summer program which he managed.
The man played a "treat game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and ask them to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings the man had engaged in this activity with the boys "over an extended period", and minors had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She said the defendant had been able to explain this repeatedly as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had concerns in summer 2025.
The legal representative continued: "This year his family member had worries about the activities, for good reason.
"They decided to investigate in the individual's items."
The legal counsel stated objects including lubricant, petroleum jelly and syringes were discovered, and his family member contacted the authorities about his suspicions.
She explained the defendant proceeded to engage in the "treat game" with six children that time - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that stage," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the situation.
The prosecutor stated the children were struggling to walk due to being ill, so the stepson called the authorities once more.
She said Ruben then conducted the "candy game" in a room of five minors.
