An individual who spiked sweets with sleeping medication and distributed them to children at a summer camp in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual crimes against two children both between nine and ten.
The defendant was detained after eight children and one adult became sick at Stathern Lodge in July.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at the courthouse on recently.
Nevertheless, he disputed one particular crime he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was remanded in custody prior to a additional proceeding on late November.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, detailed Ruben's offending to the court.
She explained his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer program which he managed.
The man engaged in a "treat game" with the minors, Mrs Prior said, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and request they to consume candy "rapidly".
She stated to the judge Ruben had conducted this practice with the boys "repeatedly", and youngsters had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She said Ruben had been able to explain this repeatedly as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had concerns in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "Recently" his stepchild had concerns about the activities, justifiably.
"They chose" to have a look in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel stated objects including lubricant, Vaseline and syringes were found, and his stepchild alerted the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She explained the defendant went on to engage in the "sweet game" with six youngsters that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that time," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the incident.
The prosecutor stated the minors were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the family member called the authorities again.
She explained the man then played the "candy game" in a area of five youngsters.
