A man who contaminated sweets with tranquilliser and distributed them to children at a summer camp in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offences against two boys aged nine and 10.
The defendant was arrested after eight minors and a grown-up fell ill at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
The accused was held in detention prior to a further hearing on November 28th.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, detailed the criminal behavior to the court.
She explained his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer camp which he managed.
The man engaged in a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor said, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge Ruben had engaged in this activity with the boys "over an extended period", and minors had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She stated the man had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had concerns in summer 2025.
The prosecutor added: "Recently" his stepchild had concerns about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They chose" to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC stated materials including infant oil, ointment and medical needles were found, and his family member contacted the police about his concerns.
She explained the man continued to play the "treat game" with six children that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that point," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
Mrs Prior explained the youngsters were struggling to walk due to their condition, so the family member called the police again.
She stated the defendant then played the "sweet game" in a area of five minors.
